George John Harris, Sr. Of Costa Mesa, CA, a proud Navy veteran, devoted family man, accomplished executive, and lifelong sports fan, passed away peacefully on August 8, 2025, at the age of 82. Born in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, on October 16, 1942, to Mary Lazovi Harris and George Milton Harris, George lived a full and purposeful life defined by service, deep family ties, global connections, and a deep appreciation for his roots.

George's early years were shaped by the tragic loss of his father, who was killed following the Normandy landings during World War II when George was just 21 months old. After this profound loss, he was lovingly raised in Seltzer, PA, by his mother and his maternal grandparents, Mary Martinka Lazovi and John Lazovi, who provided a strong foundation of love, resilience, and family values. Later in life, George was also blessed with a devoted stepfather, Richard Purcell, whose presence brought additional strength and support to the family.

Though he never had the chance to know his biological father, George carried his legacy with deep respect. He made frequent visits to the American cemetery in Normandy, particularly during the major memorials held every ten years, to honor the memory of the man who inspired his strong sense of duty.

Following in those footsteps, George proudly served his country in the United States Navy. His service instilled in him a lifelong sense of honor, discipline, and patriotism. These were values he upheld throughout his life.

George was a proud graduate of Syracuse University, where he developed an enduring loyalty to the Orange. He followed both the football and basketball teams with passionate enthusiasm. He was also a devoted Buffalo Bills fan, especially fond of quarterback Josh Allen, who attended the University of Wyoming at the same time as his granddaughter, Aleen Sellers. His love of college football extended to the University of Alabama, and he was especially thrilled when his granddaughter, Taree Sellers, joined the Crimson Tide as a student.

George's Slovak heritage was another source of pride and connection in his life. He traveled frequently to Slovakia, where he found great joy in reconnecting with extended family and exploring the towns and traditions that formed part of his lineage. These visits were filled with laughter, stories, and a genuine love for the people and culture that shaped his ancestry.

Professionally, George excelled as an executive in the IT service industry, where he became well known for his expertise and leadership. He was a founding member and two-time Chairman and President of the Association for Services Management International (AFSMI), an organization dedicated to advancing service management professionals. In 1991, he was honored with AFSMI's prestigious Professionalism in Service Management Award, a testament to his contributions and respected standing within the global IT service community. For George, work was more than a profession. It was an opportunity to connect, mentor, and build relationships across borders.

In his later years, George split his time between Lake Forest, California, where he lived with his daughter, Glee, and son-in-law, Steen Sellers, and Hawaii, where he worked as a property manager on an avocado and macadamia nut farm. He remained incredibly active, taking pride in the daily operations of the farm and staying engaged in hands-on work. He loved Hawaii deeply and found great fulfillment in contributing to the land and community around him, while cherishing his time with family in California.

A connoisseur of life's finer things, George loved his cigars, good wine, exceptional food, and a strong shot of slivovitz shared among friends and family. Whether at home or abroad, he sought out the best culinary experiences and took great pleasure in sharing them with friends and loved ones. Travel was not just a passion. It was a way of life. George's adventures around the globe were marked by a deep curiosity and appreciation for culture, cuisine, and conversation. He approached every destination with the same enthusiasm he brought to every aspect of life.

Above all, George was a devoted family man. He is survived by his daughter, Glee Harris; his son, George Harris, Jr.; his son-in-law, Steen Sellers; and his granddaughters, Taree Sellers and Aleen Sellers, Aleen's husband, Jesse Wilhelm, and his faithful little companion, Spike, who rarely left his side when he was on the mainland.

George will be remembered for his leadership, his loyalty, his unwavering devotion to family and country, and his bigger-than-life persona. His spirit lives on in every cheer for his favorite teams, every family gathering, and every story shared around the table. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Funeral services will be held at Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic Church, La Jolla, California, on September 15, 2025, at 10:00 am. Reception immediately following the funeral. Burial with military honors will be held at Miramar National Cemetery at 2:00 PM.