Ashfield, MA – Stuart A. Harris 1951-2026
Stuart A. Harris passed away peacefully at age 74 on April 7th, 2026 after a short but aggressive illness. He was born in Springfield, MA while his father was working for the Eastern States Farmers' Exchange as a warehouse book keeper and the young family lived in the Feeding Hills section of Agawam. When his dad took on dairy farm life in the Beldingville section of Ashfield, Stuart and older brother Neal, were delighted in the farming life. There was always something to do or explore. Stuart attended the local Sunday school class and was a Boy Scout in Troop 18. He attended Sanderson Academy through grade ten and graduated from Mohawk Trail Regional High School in 1969. He enjoyed drafting and music during the 1960s. Stuart received an A.S. degree in Building Construction Technology from Wentworth Institute of Technology in 1971.
Carpentry, woodworking and timber framing abilities were his focus for a lifetime of pleasure at work. He had a family background of working with wood for many generations. Protecting and preservation of early American architecture has been a guiding light for his work. He was a partner in the Harris & Gray Contractors business and held a MA Construction Supervisor License, CSL for decades. He was a life member of the Ashfield and Chesterfield Historical Societies, a long time member of the Ashfield Zoning Board and Town Hall Building Committee. He was on the Board of Directors of the Franklin Land Trust. He has lead a volunteer crew restoring the Ashfield Town Hall steeple. He was a Life Member of The Sons and Daughters of Hawley historical organization and worked to preserve and reuse components of timber framed barns and mills. He was a member of the Society for the Preservation of Old Mills. He enjoyed Volleyball, and gatherings with family and friends.
He was predeceased by his parents and a younger sister. Stuart leaves two brothers and their families, one brother-in-law and his family, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, many cousins, his dear friend Claire, and many friends. His family would like to thank the staff of Baystate Medical Center in Springfield for the compassionate care Stuart received there. A celebration of Stuart's productive life will be held on Saturday, June 6th from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at 1379 Cape Street, Ashfield, MA. Hors d'oeuvres will be served. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Town of Ashfield, with reference to the Town Hall Steeple Fund.
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