Robert “Bob” Fulton Harris, 83, of Little Silver, passed away in the comfort of his home Feb. 6, 2026. Bob was born in Albany, New York, to the late James and Ruth (Badgely) Harris.
He honorably served the country in the U.S. Army on active duty from March 1966 through August 1975, as a major stationed in Germany. Bob served two tours in Vietnam. After active service, Bob served three more years in the Army Reserve.
During his 14 years of service, Bob traveled the world while serving his country. While stationed at Fort Monmouth, he met the love of his life, Joy Harris, in 1970 on Friday the 13th, the luckiest day of their lives. Together they built a beautiful life rooted in love, family, and devotion for 55 years.
Bob retired as the brokerage agency manager for Principal Financial Group. He was a longtime communicant of Holy Cross RC Church in Rumson.
Bob was deeply proud of his education, having attended Pawtucket Grammar School Class of 1956, Searles High School Class of 1960, and Northeastern University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in economics in 1965. He then earned a master’s degree in business administration in 1978.
Bob’s first love was always his family. His second love was golf, a passion he pursued with great enthusiasm. His love of the game eventually led him to become highly skilled in crafting golf clubs for friends and family. After retiring from his business career, Bob spent much of his time on golf courses, working and playing the game he loved.
Bob and Joy shared a deep love of travel and enjoyed visiting incredible places around the world together. He was also an avid sports fan, especially of his Red Sox and Giants.
The Harris family is large, and Bob cherished the many moments spent with relatives, always valuing family connections and working to keep the family legacy alive. Some of his happiest memories were made at the lake surrounded by loved ones.
Bob spent 45 years living in Little Silver, where five of his grandchildren grew up just down the street. He also loved traveling to Delaware to spend time with his other two grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his brothers, James, Edwin and Gerald.
Bob leaves behind his loving wife of 55 years, Joy Harris; his son, Robert F. Harris Jr. and wife Janine of Middletown, Deleware; and his daughter, Melissa A. Mellor and husband Jason of Little Silver; grandchildren Brady and Wesley Harris and Avery, Harris, Conor Dillon and Quinn Mellor; brother-in-law Louis A. Hall of New York City; and several nieces and nephews.
Visitation and a Mass were held Feb 13 at Holy Cross Church, Rumson. Interment followed at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Middletown.
Memorial donations in Bob’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at stjude.org.
The article originally appeared in the February 19 – 25, 2026 print edition of The Two River Times.
