Dave Harris of Harris Comfort will be named “Person of the Year” at Bristol Fall Classic this Saturday
By Samantha Bambino
The Times
It’s been more than six decades since a sign bearing the words “Harris Comfort Year Round” was carefully hung outside the quaint building on Otter Street. The year was 1956, and Louis “Peewee” Harris had taken over the family business of fuel oil delivery and service work, previously managed by his parents under a different name since 1935. By the mid-’60s, he had a trained crew of technicians on the payroll and had expanded the company’s services to include gas, heating and air conditioning.
Naturally, Harris Comfort eventually fell into the hands of the next generation — Harris’ son Dave. A graduate of Bristol High School, Dave worked at Farmers National Bank for some time while helping his father on the side. But one day, he decided to dedicate his career to Harris Comfort. And hasn’t looked back since.
Now, after years of upholding the solid reputation established by his father, and with thousands of installations under his belt, Dave is being recognized by his community.
On Saturday, Nov. 17, Dave will be honored as “Person of the Year” at the eighth annual Bristol Fall Classic, the largest fundraiser hosted by the Bristol Borough Learning Centers Academic Oversight Committee (AOC).
This year’s theme will highlight the importance of “Small Business,” and will spotlight Dave’s small business leadership, acumen and service, all of which have become staples in Bristol and its surrounding areas.
For the ever-humble Dave, receiving the news from the AOC that he was chosen to be its “Person of the Year,” a title that went to Raising the Bar president Bill Pezza in 2017, came as a pleasant shock.
“I’m surprised, a little overwhelmed,” he told The Times. “I think it’s great other than that.”
Since his days working part-time for his father, Dave has diligently practiced two key principles — providing customers with peace of mind the job will be done right, and outstanding customer service. The pride Dave takes in his work is one of the reasons he was singled out by the AOC, in addition to his ardent support of the committee’s efforts.
Founded in 2010 by the Grundy Foundation, the AOC is comprised of residents, parents, students and community members, all working to provide year-round support to borough youth in grades K-12. In partnership with the Bristol Borough School District, AOC-funded programs work to improve students’ academic performance and develop skill sets so one day they can become well-rounded leaders.
“They try to pick up where students lack,” Dave explained.
The AOC raises awareness of local 21st Century Community Learning Centers, which are currently housed at Snyder-Girotti, Bristol High School and St. Mark. At each location, students can participate in tutoring and mentoring, homework help, STEM programs, drug and prevention programming, college and career readiness, community service opportunities, music, art, sports and summer activities. In addition, the AOC addresses academic, behavioral and social needs in an attempt to remove barriers that impede students’ learning.
According to Dave, it’s a thrill to be recognized by a group that does so much to prepare the next generation of leaders, for whom he shared his simple secrets to success.
“Hard work, obviously dedication to your customers, and having good people to work with in your company,” he said. “I’m just happy that I’m able to do these things. And I appreciate the chance to continue.” ••
If you go…
The eighth annual Bristol Fall Classic will be held on Saturday, Nov. 17, from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Bristol Borough Public Works Building, 92 Maple Beach Road.
A donation of $50 per ticket includes a buffet catered by the King George II Inn, wine and beer, and a chance to win a $1,000 cash prize. Tickets can be purchased at Mignoni Jewelers, Great ID’s by Anne and the Borough Tax Office during regular business hours. Table seating for eight may be reserved by emailing [email protected] and is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
For more information on the event, visit facebook.com/BBLearningCenters. For more on Harris Comfort, 209 Otter St., visit harriscomfort.com.
Samantha Bambino can be reached at [email protected]
