Jay Krafsur Harris
Jay Krafsur Harris of Delray Beach, Florida lost his battle to Covid after a valiant struggle on May 2, 2020. Jay was the beloved husband of Ellen Gardner Harris for almost 39 years. He was the loving father of Jodi Sarah Harris, Alyssa Jill Harris & her husband Timothy Michael Groch. He leaves behind three grandsons, Hunter Harris Beaulac, Ryder Russell Beaulac, and Asher Moon Groch. Jay’s loss is mourned by his three loving sisters, Joie Feinberg, Jeri Silverman, Jaci Marmor, and her husband Arthur Marmor. He is also mourned by Ellen’s three brothers, Jay Gardner, Steven Gardner, Paul Gardner & his wife Kimberly. Jay is survived by his loving cousins Jay Krafsur, Jody Krafsur and her daughter Jacalyn, Aunt Jean Krafsur, Elizabeth Banner, Helaine & Joe Banner, and their two sons Jason and Jonathon, daughter Jill Elias and husband Samuel Elias. Jay loved each of his nieces & nephews dearly, Jonathan & Aiste Feinberg, Jennifer & Evan Tobasky, Jessica Feinberg, Scott & Aimee Silverman, Todd & Jayme Silverman, Josh & Emily Marmor, Jamie & Ari Wexler, Scott Gardner, Jeffrey & Jessica Gardner, Katie Gardner, Susan Gardner the late Lee Gardner. Jay also loved gathering with his many great-nieces & nephews, Sydney and Jason Silverman, Harrison and Annie Silverman, Jordyn, Jillian and Jayden Tobasky, Jack, Joely and Jesse Wexler, Jaxson Feinberg, Alexis and Tessa Feinberg, Sophie, Aubrey and Max Marmor, and Fallon Gardner.
The world has lost a giant of a man. Jay was born in Boston on September 16, 1949 to Lorraine & Irving Harris. He was raised in Brookline, Massachusetts and graduated from Northeastern University before pursuing a career in Aviation. Jay began his career with Air New England flying Beach 99’s, de Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otters & ended his career at Air New England as a Captain of the Fairchild FH- 227. During this time he flew many charters all across North America. He flew Ted Kennedy during his presidential run, Alice Cooper while on tour, NHL teams between cities and many other crazy charters that he loved to tell stories about. Between tours, Jay obtained his General Contractors license in Massachusetts and built his own home on Cape Cod in Yarmouthport. In 1981 Jay joined the Gardner family business, Star Bindery and became a partner. He worked in the printing industry until Star Bindery was sold in 2001. Jay’s other love was downhill skiing. Many years were spent at their home in Waterville Valley, NH. During those years Jay became certified in winter emergency and paramedic training. He worked every weekend and vacation on the Waterville Valley Ski Patrol. Jay also loved trips out west with Ellen connecting with fellow ski patrollers. They skied many times together at Vail, Steamboat Springs, Beaver Creek, Park City, Deer Valley & an epic trip skiing Big Sky Montana. Summers were spent windsurfing together on the beaches of Cape Cod. Golf was also one of his greatest pleasures. Jay & Ellen had the opportunity to play together on some of the most amazing courses around the world. Jay and Ellen moved to Florida in 2003. Jay became a licensed Florida General Contractor & in May of 2008 began working for Spirit Airlines. Jay & Ellen loved to travel and were often back in Boston for many family gatherings.The Family wants to express their heartfelt thanks to the entire Boca Regional Hospital medical team, and especially to our long time family physician Dr. Alan Saitowitz, who never gave up on Jay.
Jay’s friends and family will always remember him as a jack of all trades, a charmer, a man of integrity, empathy and kindness. Above all else he was completely devoted to his family, he was the absolute best husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend.
Remembrances can be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. www2.jdrf.org. Due to the limitations imposed by the coronavirus pandemic, the funeral service will be delayed until this summer in Massachusetts. The home address should, anyone like to contact the family is 136 NE 12th Street, Delray Beach, FL 33444.