Matthew Marcellus Harris, 38, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, September 11th. He was a beloved son of Larry Harris (Springfield, MA), Retha Flack (Hagerstown, MD) and LuAnn Harris (Warren). Besides his parents he leaves two brothers, Zakaree Harris (wife, Lindsay, San Diego, CA) and Tyler Harris (Warren). Matthew will be terribly missed by his family and friends.

From a young age, Matt wanted to become a fireman. As soon as he was old enough, he became a volunteer with the Warren Fire Department, which became a second family to him. In 1999, he became a part of WFD Engine #1. He joined the Special Hazards Unit and served as a Lieutenant for six years. In 2011, he moved over to the Rough and Ready Engine #5. He was elected 3rd Lieutenant for Engine #5 in 2016. Matthew was a dispatcher for the Police and Fire Departments for the town of Warren, RI. He served on several house committees and was the current chairman of the Annual Pig Roast, as well as, the Chairman of the Annual Clambake Raffle. He was elected 3rd Lieutenant for Engine #5 in 2016 and held that position until his death. His voice on the radio, whether dispatching or responding to a fire call, will forever be missed.

Those that know him, know his family and friends were everything to him. He had a way of making everyone feel like they were his best friend. You knew he loved you if he took the time to tease you. If you ever received one of his big bear hugs, you know what it meant to truly be hugged. One of Matthew’s other loves was sports, whether it be football, baseball, or softball. One of his favorite past times was watching WWE wrestling. He loved to play, watch, umpire and coach softball. He was the Commissioner of the Bristol co-ed League, and he also coached the Beach House team, and the nWo team in the Warren co-ed league.

Calling hours will be Sunday, September 16th, 3-8 pm at Smith Funeral & Memorial Services, 8 Schoolhouse Road, Warren, RI. The funeral will be Monday, September 17th at St Mary of the Bay Church, 645 Main Street, Warren at 11am. Burial will be in South Burial Ground, Warren.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in his memory to the Warren Fire Department Relief Fund, or the WFD Rescue Squad, C/O Fire Chief’s Office. Address for both is 1 Joyce Street, Warren, RI 02885.