Stephen R. Harris

OSWEGO – Stephen R. Harris, beloved husband and father, passed away on June 5, 2025, after a valiant fight against glioblastoma. Stephen faced this battle with the same strength, honor, and courage that characterized his entire life.

Stephen was born to Robert T. and Nancy B. Harris in Homer, NY, and spent most of his life in Homer, living in the home that had belonged to his grandparents and his parents.

Stephen graduated from Homer Central School District and attended Eisenhower College.  With a career spanning several decades, Stephen worked his way up from a corrections line officer to Captain for Cortland County Sheriff Department under the supervision of Sheriff Duane Whiteman and later under Lee Price, retiring in 2002, and moving to Oswego, New York where he and his wife Kelly became foster parents, fostering many children over the years and later adopting three sons, Nate, Nathan and Jackson.

Stephen enjoyed traveling to SC many times a year to visit with family, time spent with his NY family, and time out fishing for the elusive walleye on Oneida Lake with several friends/family members.

Stephen was predeceased by both of his parents, Robert “Ted” Harris and Nancy Briggs Harris, father-in-law Lyle Rhinehart, as well as his sister Susan, and brother Jon.

He is survived by his wife of 23 years, Kelly Rhinehart-Harris of Oswego, NY, and three sons, Nate L. Harris (Heather), Traveler’s Rest, SC, Jackson and Nathan Harris (still at home, Oswego, NY), and 1 grandson, Crosson Harris of Travelers Rest, SC, as well as many cherished nieces and nephews here in New York state and in South Carolina.

There will be no calling hours.  Graveside services will be held at 11 am on Saturday, June 14, 2025, in North Scriba Cemetery, 1290 County Route 1, Oswego.  Arrangements are under the caring guidance of Nelson Funeral Home, 11 West Albany Street, Oswego.