DALE ALLEN HARRIS

SALISBURY — Dale Allen Harris, age 84, passed peacefully May 3, 2026, at Helen Porter Health Nursing and Rehabilitation in Middlebury.

Dale was born in Hardwick, Vt., Dec. 12, 1941. He was the son of Homer and Lucille (Elwood) Harris. He grew up on the family farm in Wolcott. He graduated from Peoples Academy in Wolcott. He earned his degree from Vermont Technical College. He began his working career at Seward’s in Rutland. He later joined the staff at Vermont Marble. Dale worked for more than 43 years as a purchasing manager at Omya. He retired in 1992. Dale was a member of the Brandon Congregational Church.

Dale and Judy lived in Brandon, enjoying sunrises and sunsets from their Mount Pleasant Home. Dale was retired but never stopped working. His perfect lawn, the ever-growing stone wall, and working for his neighbor, Gary, sandblasting names and dates on gravestones, were testaments to the pride Dale took in doing every job well. Dale loved Vermont, his family, history, camping, the Boston Red Sox, the New York Giants, country music, and a Dale Earnhardt straw hat (#3). In the nearly two years he lived in memory Care at the Helen Porter Nursing and Rehabilitation he was known and loved for sporting his colorful tee-shirt collection, for his amazing recall of country songs, and singing them with Sarah.

Surviving are his wife, Judith (Buttolph) Harris of Salisbury, whom he married in Brandon Aug. 3, 2002; three daughters, Carla Therriault (Don) of Rutland Town, Chara Cooley of Rutland and Christa Ernst (Chris) of Brandon; a stepson, Scott Elithorpe of Bennington; and two stepdaughters, Lynn Gardner (Michael) of Clarendon and Laurie Morvan (Bill) of Northfield. Twelve grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and several nieces, nephews and cousins also survive him. He was predeceased by three brothers, Conrad Harris, Everett Harris and Robert Harris.

A memorial service in celebration of his life will take place May 9, at 1 p.m., at the Brandon Congregational Church. Following the ceremony the family will receive friends in the church hall for a time of remembrance. A private graveside committal service and burial will be held at a later date in Pine Hill Cemetery in Brandon.

Memorial gifts in lieu of flowers may be made in his memory to Helen Porter Rehabilitation and Nursing or Homeward Bound, Addison County Humane Society.

Arrangements by Miller & Ketcham of Brandon. ◊