A Run to Remember for Holmdel’s Ed Harris

By: LiliAnn Paras | August 20, 2021 |  Philanthropy , Events |  Holmdel

FEATURED PHOTO: The Harris Family (left to right) – Ed, Dina, Jeff and Nick

There is an expression that “bad things happen to good people,” and so it was for local “good guy” Ed Harris and his family.

Ed succumbed to complications from COVID-19 in a hospital early last year, before very much was known about the disease. The diagnosis, and restrictions on visiting, blindsided and devastated his family. “We could not visit our dad in the hospital due to strict rules, so all we could do was pray. As he slowly got worse, we made sure to stay strong for our mom,” recalled his sons, Nick and Jeff. Although the family could not physically be with him, Ed was surrounded by the love of his family and the community, and the affection continues.

Ed grew up in Holmdel with his six brothers and continued to live there with his wife Dina, sons Jeff and Nick, and their big dog, Lucky. He was proud to carry on the family landscaping business, Holmdel Farms, which had served the community for more than half a century. He was well known by many through his work, his involvement with youth sports, and most especially, for his kindness. A kind heart can manifest in ways large and small and Nick shared a story of a friendship Ed had forged with Mary, the grandmother of Nick’s close friend. “Mary loved to watch us play basketball at Holmdel High School, but could not get out much. My father would pick her up and bring her to watch every game,” said Nick. “Even after my friend and I graduated, my dad continued to bring her to the basketball games.”

And Ed’s goodwill toward others was reciprocated by the community, with people sending gifts of comfort and offering support all during his illness. When Ed died, a funeral was not possible, so residents organized a drive-by commemoration. “Countless community members drove by our house and gave their condolences while adhering to social distancing regulations. The community also set up a GoFundMe campaign to ease the economic impact the passing of my dad had on us. The outreach was amazing,” Nick said.

As Jeff and Nick continue to adjust to their loss and grief, they are determined to find a way to honor their father and also to support others dealing with the heartbreak associated with COVID. These goals culminated in the organization of a 5k race called Run to Remember, scheduled for September 19 at Holmdel High School. As many as 1,000 people are expected to attend and all proceeds will benefit two COVID relief organizations: the New Jersey  Pandemic Relief Fund (njprf.org) and Helping Families in Monmouth County (hfcf.org).

When asked whether the chosen organizations had helped the Harris family, Nick replied, “Due to the timing of our dad’s passing and all the help we received, we did not directly get help from these organizations. We are focusing on those more in need than we are.” And so it goes that Ed Harris’s legacy of kindness continues through his sons…a most fitting tribute to his memory.

To learn more about the race and sponsorship opportunities visit runtoremember5k.com.

To register/make a donation, visit here.