Dr. Milton A. Harris Jr.

Born to the late Milton A. Harris, Sr. and Sarah Alice Potts on May 25, 1932 at Chester Hospital (where Chester High School is now located), peacefully passed away on Sunday-February 24, 2019 at his home. He attended the Chester Public Schools and graduated from Chester High School in 1950. On January 25, 1955, he enlisted in the United States Army and served for two years receiving a Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Metal and OCC Medal Certificate while posted in Munich, Germany. In addition, he joined the Masons after returning from the service. With the guidance of his parents, he joined St. Luke Christian Community Church under Rev. Donald Coleman. His father was a member of the St. Luke Quartet which musically inspired Milton, Jr.. Where the new hall exists, the old St. Luke church building is where he became a member before the previous new church was built. Thus, later he became director of the St. Luke Choir. Lastly, in 2003 became a member of St. John AUMP Church under Right Reverend Jonathan Stewart, Choir Director, and served on the Trustee Board. Milton received an early interest in music through his mother, who inherited a piano and he was determined to master the keyboard. After serving in the military, to further his musical education, he attended the Philadelphia Musical Academy and received a Bachelor of Music Degree with a Major in Piano. Further interest directed him to become a musical student at the Julliard School of Music in New York and Temple University of Philadelphia, where he received his doctorate. Thus said, Milton was often called ‘Doc.’ He taught in Chester/Upland School District as a Music Director. Then continued as a teacher of music by providing weekly piano lessons and voice training in his home and when possible, organ lessons. When he played those instruments especially the organ, the receiving audience was astounded and joyful. As a Musical Director, Doc served many churches in the Chester, California, and Philadelphia areas. Oft times he was inspired to create, arrange, and direct various classical and gospel choir concerts at which time he would train the choirs to sing in the German language of works by Bach, Chopin, Mozart and Rachmaninoff. If you wanted to sing under his directorship, you had to be vocally trained. The Paul Roberts Choir was another venture that fulfilled his directorship and musical mastership. During his later years, Doc mastered the violin and decided to obtain further training by taking additional violin lessons. He enjoyed cooking for his family and friends because he loved to eat. At times, he would entertain a choir at his home and have a feast of food for their enjoyment. Uncle loved his sister’s children and at times took it upon himself to be their father of fathers. He leaves to mourn: Nieces Darlene Harris, Doress Harris, Dianah Perry (all of Chester, PA) and Gladys DoRetha Kirkland/Wilmington, DE. Nephews Darren Harris, Dimitrius Harris and self-adopted Son: Kevin Yarbray (all in Chester, PA). self-adopted Sisters: Rosa Adams of Philadelphia, PA; Baola Gould of Westover, MD, and Joan Gerst of Chester, PA; self-adopted Brother: James Gould of Westover, MD. Also, a host of Great and Grand Nieces, Nephews, Godfather to Mary Gould Gordon of Tampa, FL; devoted Neighbor, Shirley Barksdale and many other Friends. “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me”….Psalm 23:4

Dr. Milton A. Harris Jr.

May 25, 1932 - February 24, 2019