Gregory D. Harris

Gregory D. Harris, 52, died unexpectedly Monday February 9, 2009 at his home in Chicago. For 30 years, Greg was an inspiring teacher and mentor, passionate about education and dedicated to his students, their learning and their wellbeing. An English Teacher at New Trier High School in Winnetka, IL for the last 15 years, Greg taught in the Advanced Placement Program, the Senior Writers Seminar Program and the Sophomore Honors Program. He developed and introduced a film study class to the curriculum and participated in film study on a national level through the National Council of Teachers of English. As an advisory group leader, he counseled groups of young men through their four years of high school. He was Assistant English Department Chair and past president of the New Trier Education Association. Taking on administrative responsibilities, he served as assistant to the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction last year, and this year he held the position of Community Connections Coordinator. Before New Trier, Greg was a member of the English Department at Hinsdale Central High School in Hinsdale, IL for 15 years. He was instrumental in developing the Seminar Gifted Program and the Writing Center. He coached the Forensics team, spending many Saturdays with the team at competitions. Greg was constantly engaged in learning, in and out of the classroom. He was a 1975 graduate of Plainfield High School, and graduated from Indiana University, Bloomington in 1979. His graduate education included a Master's Degree from the University of Illinois, Chicago. He loved good books, movies, theatre, music, restaurants and even television. He enjoyed traveling and exploring new places, returing often to his favorites. His family and many friends knew him as caring, kind and generous; he was quick to laugh and ready to help. Greg is survived by his partner of 32 years, Jay Dillon. Other survivors are his mother, Patsy Harris of Plainfield; three sisters, Beth Morris and Pam Hall, both of Plainfield and Mary James of Martinsville, IN; his brother, J.D. Harris of Centerton, IN; and 25 nieces and nephews, including Katie Hall of Chicago. His father, Wilbur W. Harris and his brother, Jeff A. Harris preceded him in death. A Memorial Service will be held Monday February 16 at 3:00 pm in Hampton-Gentry Funeral Home, Plainfield where friends may call on Monday from 1:00 pm until service time at 3:00 pm. Contributions may be made to a scholarship fund established in his memory at New Trier High School, or to IOPA. Inurnment will be at Maple Hill Cemetery, Plainfield.