SKILLMAN… Todd Harris, 47, beloved father, husband, friend and coworker, passed peacefully on Tuesday, June 6, after a short, hard-fought battle against a sudden and unexpected illness. Todd was so much to so many – a father, husband, friend, coworker, mentor, to name but a few. In everything he did, personally and professionally, Todd excelled at excellence: as a husband to his wife, Jackie; father to his daughter, Mason, and son, Logan; as a Vice President of Broadcasting with the National Basketball Association. He made those around him better for his presence and their lives that much richer – every person he touched knew that they were no longer a stranger and were more than a friend: they were now a member of his family.
Family. That was not just a word to Todd – it was his life. Nothing gave him greater happiness than being with his wife and children. Jackie was his enduring love – he was her protector, conscience, comfort and partner through good and bad times. His children? To them, he was more than a father, he was a best friend – whether helping Mason pursue her collegiate dreams at his alma mater, Syracuse University, or being Logan’s hockey coach and greatest fan. To them, he was their sun that gave their lives light, warmth and guidance – to him, they were his world.
Todd was born in Queens in 1969 and grew up on Long Island. After completing his Bachelor of Arts in English/History at Syracuse University in 1991, Todd spent nearly four years working as a Production Associate for NBC Sports. In 1993, he earned an Emmy Award for his work on the feature production, “The 1972 Olympics – USA vs. USSR Basketball.” For the past 23 years, Todd was a fixture at the National Basketball Association, where he was responsible for a number broadcasting innovations in use today and being a pioneer team member and champion of the WNBA. But Todd’s reach went far beyond the broadcast booth or center court. Of Todd, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver noted, “He was dedicated, charismatic, funny and outgoing, and always friendly to everyone he encountered. Everyone who knew Todd would say he was one of their favorite people – he was one of a kind.”
Todd is survived by his wife, Jackie, daughter, Mason, and son, Logan. To them and his extended family of friends, he leaves behind a legacy of love and friendship that will be in their hearts forever. His sun may have set, but he will remain bright inside all who knew and loved him – and who he loved in return.
Funeral services were held Thursday, June 8 at Temple Micah in Lawrenceville, with burial at Beth Israel Cemetery in Woodbridge.
To ensure that Todd’s vision for his children’s future is fulfilled, a gofundme page – Harris Kids College Fund – has been established to help with the cost of their continued education.