In Memorium: Gary Harris (1945-2026)
Gary Harris, long-time member of the Lycoming Law Association and 1985 Association president recently died.
Obituary:
Gary T. Harris, 80, of Montoursville, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, February 15, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.
Born May 29, 1945, in Williamsport, he was the son of the late Albert and Vera (Fry) Harris. A proud graduate of Montoursville Area High School, Gary began his higher education at Franklin and Marshall College before earning his bachelor's degree from Lycoming College. His pursuit of a law degree at Temple University was a testament to his character; he paused his studies to enlist in the U.S. Army, serving two years in Vietnam. Gary felt a profound duty to serve his country, following in the footsteps of his older brothers. For his bravery and distinguished service, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and the Republic of Vietnam Staff Service Medal. Upon returning and completing his J.D., he dedicated his career to the law, eventually becoming a partner at Reiders, Travis, Humphrey, and Harris.
Beyond his professional life, Gary was a man of many passions. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, and golfer, and was a longtime member of the Texas and Blockhouse Hunting and Fishing Club. He was perhaps happiest when tending to his garden at home. A faithful member of the Farragut United Methodist Church, Gary's voice was a staple in the church choir. Above all, Gary was a devoted family man. He never missed a sporting event, school function, or milestone for his grandchildren, who were the light of his life.
Gary's commitment to Montoursville was unmatched. He served as the solicitor for Montoursville Borough, a member of the Montoursville Cemetery board, a proud founding member of the Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy, and a member of the Montoursville Legion Post 107. His legacy of service, both in uniform and in his private life, left an indelible mark on his community.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Susan Harris; his children, Amie (Thomas) Penfield of South Williamsport, Rachel (G.T.) Oeler of Williamsport, and Matthew (Danielle) Harris of Montoursville; and his six grandchildren: Ryan Little, Sean (Angela) Little, Ashley Little, Blaine Midkiff, Ethan Harris, and Lydia Harris. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews, including Heather Gerry and Seanese Cherry, for whom Gary and Susan provided many years of loving care.
In addition to his parents, Gary was preceded in death by his brothers, A. Dale and Carl Harris, and his sisters, Janice Meyers and Ellen Wein.
A memorial service will be announced at a later date.
Arrangements are entrusted to McCarty-Thomas Funeral Home, Montoursville.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Farragut United Methodist Church or the North Central Pennsylvania Conservancy.
Expressions of sympathy may be shared at mccartythomas.com.
Memorial Resolutions:
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF LYCOMING COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
In the Matter of Gary T. Harris, Esquire : Born: May 29, 1945
:
: Passed Peacefully: February 15, 2026
:
MOTION TO PRESENT THE LIFE OF GARY T. HARRIS, ESQUIRE AND TO
REQUEST THAT IT BE SPREAD UPON THE BOOKS AND RECORDS OF LYCOMING COUNTY
AND NOW, come the members of the Committee appointed by the Court to present information concerning the life and legal accomplishments of Gary T. Harris.
- Gary T. Harris was born May 29, 1945, in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. He was the son of the late Albert and Vera (Fry) Harris.
- He was a graduate of Montoursville Area High School.
- Gary began his higher education at Franklin and Marshall College before earning his bachelor’s degree from Lycoming College.
- He pursued a degree in law at Temple University; however, he paused his studies to enlist in the United States Army, serving two years in Vietnam.
- Gary felt a profound duty to serve his country, following in the footsteps of his older brothers.
- He had a distinguished record in Vietnam with much recognition by the United States of America for his accomplishments and service.
- For his bravery and distinguished service, Harris was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and the Republic of Vietnam Staff Service Medal.
- Gary also received a Purple Heart, two Army Commendation Medals, two National Defense Service Medals, as well as many other decorated accolades for his service in the United States Army.
- Gary returned from Vietnam with an enhanced sense of dedication and commitment.
- He completed his juris doctoral degree and began to work at the law firm of Stuart, Murphy, Hager & Smith.
- Gary stayed with the firm his entire career which eventually became Rieders, Travis, Humphrey & Harris, now Rieders, Travis, Dohrmann, Mowrey, Humphrey & Waters. He even manned the Laporte office for many years.
- In 1985, Gary was elected President of the Lycoming Law Association.
- For years, annual overnight partner retreats were at Gary's beloved cabin. Business aside, they were times of great steaks, a glowing fire, laughter, and a bit of beer and wine fueling rousing games of Setback.
- A true outdoorsman, Gary was known as an avid hunter, fisherman, and golfer. He took to golf later in life and loved the game. In his first year as a golfer, at age 55, he amazed his partners by getting a hole-in-one from the blue tees on the par 3 17th hole of the White Deer Challenge Course. He soon played on a regular basis and was known for both his decorum, politeness, and frequent trips behind the trees and bushes.
- Gary was a proud member of the Texas and Blockhouse Hunting and Fishing Club. He was a dedicated fisherman.
- Gary could easily switch from describing the best fishing holes to burdens of proof, splitting wood to cross-examination, pitching horseshoes to fairness and justice.
- Aside from fishing, hunting, golf, and other pastimes, Gary also enjoyed gardening.
- He was a member of the Farragut United Methodist Church, where he enjoyed singing in the church choir. He was known, on occasion, also to sing any number of colorful rhymes and even an occasional Gershwin tune.
- Gary served as solicitor for Montoursville Borough, was a member of the Montoursville Cemetery Board, and a founding member of North Central Pennsylvania Conservancy. He was extremely concerned about preserving the environment and the natural beauty of the larger community.
- As a member of Montoursville Legion Post 107, Gary spent many happy hours with others, debating, discussing, and downing an occasional beer.
- Gary is survived by his extremely dedicated wife, Susan Harris, his children, Amie (Thomas) Penfield of South Williamsport, Rachel (G.T.) Oeler of Williamsport, and Matthew (Danielle) Harris of Montoursville; and his six grandchildren: Ryan Little, Sean (Angela) Little, Ashley Little, Blaine Midkiff, Ethan Harris, and Lydia Harris. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews, including Heather Gerry and Seanese Cherry, for whom Gary and Susan provided many years of loving care.
- Gary was preceded in death by his brothers, A. Dale and Carl Harris, and his sisters, Janes Meyers and Ellen Wein.
- Gary T. Harris, the man, was unique. He was passionately dedicated to whatever cause he embraced and to the issues raised by his clients. He was known at the Bar as indefatigable in his desire to help the underdog.
- His law practice was very broad in scope. He handled custody, divorce, litigation involving wills and trusts, personal injury matters, but he also wrote wills, trusts, and performed estate work.
- Gary helped mentor many younger lawyers, especially in the art of settling cases, often with an easygoing, country-lawyer, style.
- He was a faithful participant in the Legal Services pro bono attorney program, though when contacted to serve, invariably replied: "Is it my turn already?"
- Most people thought of Gary as a “character,” meaning someone who is unique, opinionated, devoted to his profession, all while being likeable and a person of good humor.
- Gary’s home, thanks to Susan, was a place of warmth, comfort, and good food. At all times, Susan was a reliable companion, loyal and dedicated to her family and the pursuits of all its members, including Gary’s.
- Gary’s joy of living a full and meaningful life should not be confused with his sense of seriousness. Gary was deadly serious about his relationships and the law.
- Gary’s views, his commitment to issues he believed in, and his overall personality could engender great emotions and passions. Gary never rejected a good debate, particularly if it was about the law or politics.
- It would not be an overstatement to say that Gary supported and advocated for those who enjoyed less privilege than he had accomplished.
- At one time, Gary dipped his toe into the water of politics, running for judge. It was not meant to be, but I doubt Gary ever regretted the effort.
- Unfortunately, Gary’s career and life were dimmed by the ravages of aging. Nevertheless, he comported himself with dignity and courage.
- Gary Harris’ life’s work and times represent a commitment to community, family, and the law. In that respect, and in many others too numerous to mention, his deeds, achievements, and life should be spread upon the books and records of Lycoming County Court of Common Pleas as an everlasting tribute to what one person, who always considered himself to be a “farm boy,” could accomplish.
- If it may please this Court, it is respectfully requested that this Motion be granted and that the Court resolve to be spread upon the books and records of Lycoming County Court of Common Pleas the life, work, and achievements of Gary T. Harris, Esquire.
MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE
Clifford A. Rieders, Esquire, Committee Chairman
Jack Humphrey, Esquire
Scott Waters, Esquire
Thomas Waffenschmidt, Esquire
Jeffrey C. Dorhmann, Esquire
