Obituary of Theodore Harms

Theodore Reed Harms, a longtime resident of Basking Ridge, passed away on Thursday February 3, 2022 after a long term battle with congestive heart failure. His loving and generous spirit will be greatly missed by his family and many friends. Preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Eleanor, and surviving are his three children: son Steven and his wife Lori of Virginia; son Mark and his wife Karen Lucas of Maine; and daughter Lisa Richter and her husband Matthew of Basking Ridge. Theodore was blessed with seven grandchildren, Jessica, Sarah, Kathryn, Fiona, Isabel, Jack and Ella, two great grandchildren, Walker and Coleman as well as his extended family of relatives and friends. Theodore was raised in the Pelham Bay neighborhood of the Bronx where he fell in love with Eleanor, made forever friendships through his youth leadership at First Lutheran, and started his family. Theodore always remained true to his Bronx roots as a lifelong New York Yankees fan. Honorably discharged from the Navy, Theodore began his career at AT&T where he spent the remaining 41 years amongst the best work family he claimed one could have. While family was always first for him, he had a passion for fishing, woodworking, and capturing memories with his camera. He cherished traveling with his family and friends to the beaches of Florida and lakes of Connecticut and Maine. Theodore had the ability to make everyone he met feel loved and at home. He brought such happiness wherever he was, and made everyone whose lives he touched special. He was an amazing husband, father, and friend; a joy and a blessing to everyone who had the honor of having him in their life. His story, his smile, his strength will never be forgotten. Private arrangements are being handled for the family by Gallaway and Crane Funeral Home, Basking Ridge, NJ (908) 766-0250. There will be a celebration of Theodore’s life for those whose lives he touched at a later date. Those who wish to remember Theodore in a special way may make gifts in his memory by visiting the Foundation for Morristown Medical Center donation page at https://www.f4mmc.org or the Wounded Warrior Project donation page at https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org. To light an online condolence candle please visit www.gcfuneralhome.com