In loving memory of

Nicholas "Nick" Harris
May 20, 1933 - August 15, 2020

Nicholas "Nick" Harris, 87, of Kingston, NY, passed Saturday, August 15, 2020 at Health Alliance Hospital, Broadway Campus in Kingston, New York

He was born on May 20, 1933 in Nashua, New Hampshire and was son of the late James and Madeline Hondrocostas. Nick was a graduate of Leonia High School, Leonia, New Jersey. He served in the US Army during the Korean War era. After his Honorable discharge from the Army, he attended the University of New Hampshire and University of Wisconsin earning his Bachelors degree.

He taught Social Studies at Leonia High School and Hackensack High School in New Jersey, he moved to this area and taught at Rondout Valley High School, and then was a teacher at Kingston High School for 32 years until his retirement.

In 1985 he received the Wiltwyck Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution award as Outstanding Teacher of American History. He ran unsuccessfully for the Ulster County Legislature. During the 1980's he served as the Town of Ulster Democratic Party Chairperson. He was a voluminous reader and was proud to be a member of the American Civil Liberties Union. In 1989 he received the prestigious Woodrow Wilson Scholarship, which is held at Princeton University.

He was an avid sports fan and loved the "Badgers", the University of Wisconsin football team and he was also a great fan of the Boston Red Sox's and the great Ted Williams.

In 1954 he married the love of his life, Joan Dippel Harris, he is also survived by his children Lynne Harris, Laurie (Barry) Knapp, James Harris, all of Kingston. He was predeceased by a sister Dee Hondrocostas.

Arrangements entrusted to Keyser Funeral & Cremation Service, 326 Albany Avenue, Kingston, NY The service will be private.

A tribute for Nicholas may be found at www.KeyserFuneralService.com, where you may leave memories and expressions of sympathy for his family.

Tributes

Patricia Antich wrote on Aug 24, 2020:

"So sorry for your loss another angel will be watching over you Laurie.May you rest in peace Mr.Harris . Patti and Gabriella"

Jeannine Steuding wrote on Aug 23, 2020:

"To All of Nick's Family, I knew Nick as a colleague in Kingston Schools, and in later years I would chat with him in the diner where he met his buddies. I always enjoyed seeing him! Nick was always happy to see his friends and liked to keep up on what was going on. He will be missed by many, and he will always be remembered at Kingston High School! My sincere condolences! You and he are in my prayers! Jean Steuding"

Bruce R. Anderson wrote on Aug 23, 2020:

"August 23, 2020: I shared a teacher's office with Nick while teaching social Studies subjects at KHS, 1974-1978. "Are you stopping, or are your shopping?" was Nick's stock question on each payday. Nick always lamented that he changed his last name from Hondrocostas in deference to his children. He was proud of his heritage. Nick relished smoking an occasional cigar in the office . A non-smoker, I would find reasons to absent myself from the office when he lit his stoogie. His sense of humor was so genuine and always self-depracating and he loved people. 42 years later, I am living with my wife and sons, plus daughters-in-law and grandchildren in Everett, WA , but never forgetting my good friend Nick. I regret not "stopping" with you more often for a beer on payday. It was a privilege to know you, my friend. Bruce R. Anderson abruce541@yahoo.com."

Tom Losee wrote on Aug 22, 2020:

"Dear Joan, Jimmy, Lynne, & Laurie - Our prayers are with you at this time. Nick was such a great guy. Nick and I worked together at William's Lake and then again at Kingston High. I always enjoyed his company. He was loved by everybody and will be surely missed. He was voted "Most Athletic" - class of '51 Nashua High. Yes, he was! God Bless, my dear friend. Fellow bartender & fellow teacher, Tom Losee "

Melissa (Hatfield) Rigatti wrote on Aug 21, 2020:

"I am so sorry and sad to hear of Mr Harris?s passing.He was my teacher for two years at Kingston high school.Mr Harris was a teacher I speak of often to my children and I will never forget him .He had a great sense of humor and can always make my day better.He had a thing with my class (probably other classes as well) he use to say want a good grade call me Burt please because Look at me he?d say don?t I look just like Burt Reynolds....of course my answer was no your better looking .his Reply was you my dear get a A...loved Mr Harris may he RIP gone but NEVER EVER forgotten.. "

Cindy Delavan wrote on Aug 19, 2020:

"Dear Jim; I am so sorry to read of your Dad's passing. Mr. Harris was a great man who touched many lives in his teaching career. My sincere sympathy to you and your family."

Mary Bailey wrote on Aug 19, 2020:

"My deepest sympathy to Nick?s family. My husband John and I were friends with Nick through our years as teachers in the Kingston School District. Nick, John and their band of merry men at Kingston High School always seemed to have some joke or prank going on. Nick?s smile and kind words were always appreciates."

Larry Mazzuca wrote on Aug 19, 2020:

"We are very sorry for your loss. Kim Quarantino and Larry Mazzuca"

Arlene Bruck wrote on Aug 18, 2020:

"I am so sorry to read about Nick's passing. He was such a wonderful person and a great teacher who will be missed by all who knew him. My deepest sympathy and prayers are with the whole family that your treasured memories may help ease your pain and bring you comfort and peace. Sincerely, Arlene Bruck"

John Iannotti wrote on Aug 18, 2020:

"Though a half century has passed since I last sat in his class, the memories remain as vivid as ever. Friendly, funny, erudite, and uniquely provocative, Nick brought everyone into the discussion at a time when America was roiled by the Cold War, the Vietnam War, the civil rights movement, the women's rights movement, environmentalism, and an ideological chasm of the first order. We all learned so much from Nick and from each other. His talents were so remarkable and his personality so memorable that I was inspired to follow in his footsteps. Husband, father, teacher, friend, townsman, curmudgeon; Nick, you were all of these and more. My sincere condolences to your family and may you rest in peace."

Bob Niedzielski wrote on Aug 17, 2020:

"I remember Mr. Harris teaching AP US History in 1985-86. He loves his students and loved to joke with them. "

Petra Kaiser wrote on Aug 17, 2020:

"I know with all my heart that Nick, husband and father is looking down with a huge smile on his face. He has left behind a beautiful legacy. You will carry that on. You are an example of really loving a person. I?ve always admired your family and the way you really love each other... all of it.... not just good times but everything in life. You loved and cared for him right up until the very end. He?s always with you?? In your heart. I love you all, Petra and Barry and family "

Maureen Hornbeck wrote on Aug 17, 2020:

"Dearest Joan, please accept my deepest sympathy on the loss of of your dear husband and my sweet buddy, Nick. He was a special guy. Big love and hugs to you, Laurie, Jim, and Lynne; I will treasure my memories. Your old friend, Maureen Hornbeck "

Sue Mayone wrote on Aug 17, 2020:

"Jimmy, Laurie and family , your dad was a great teacher that touched so many lives and helped so many people. My deepest sympathies are with you all. "