Robert J. "Pete" Harris, 73

PHILADELPHIA - Robert J. "Pete" Harris of Philadelphia, formerly of Bridgeville, Del., passed away Sunday, July 8, 2007, in Chestnut Hill Hopsital, Philadelphia. He was 73.

Mr. Harris proudly served his country in the U.S. Army. After an honorable discharge he moved to Philadelphia.

He was employed by the city of Philadelphia as a heavy equipment operator with the sanitation department for 30 years prior to his retirement.

Mr. Harris will be remembered for his love of Chryslers. He truly did not believe there was any other car worth being on the road.

He treasured his family, especially his nieces and nephews, all of whom were fascinated by his suave player style. He loved to dress, court and sport and children were superior to all in his book.

Mr. Harris was a 33rd Degree Mason.

Three weeks prior to his death he summoned a family minister and gave his heart to the lord. He always enjoyed attending church and would often ride from Philadelphia on Sunday mornings to attend churches from Smyrna, Del., to Hurlock, Md., most of which were pastored by his nieces and nephews. He became a regular at Williams Chapel Church, Bridgeville often bringing his family and friends with him.

Mr. Harris was also a citizens band radio expert and went by the CB handle of "908." His car and home were equipped with such outlandish CB equipment that he could often shoot skip from his home to states far away.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clifton and Margaret S. Harris; a nephew, Quinton Blake; and a brother, Carroll E. Harris.

He is survived by a brother, Daniel Harris and his wife, Betty of Leesburg, Fla.; three sisters, Coralie Batson of Hartly, Del., Agusta Carr-Ross and her husband, Linwood of Seaford, Del. and Cleo Bake of Bridgeville,; a niece adopted as his sister, Mary-Lee Thompson of Harrington, Del.; and adopted sister and caregiver, Loretta Gore-Jenkins and her husband, Andrew of Philadelphia; a special friend and caregiver, Theresa Johnson of Philadelphia; and a host of other family and friends to include his CB friends from the Body Snatchers Club.

Funeral services will be 6 p.m. today in Emmanuel Johnson Funeral Home, 6653-75 Chew Ave., Philadelphia, where friends may call one hour earlier. The Rev. Lester Jones will officiate.

Friends may call from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Friday in Williams Chapel Church, North Cannon St., Bridgeville.

Burial will be 11 a.m. Friday in the Delaware Veterand Memorial Cemetery, Millsboro, Del.