Dr. Harris M Kenner, of Rockville, Maryland, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 23, 2022.  Harris is survived by his beloved partner, Nancy O'Keefe, and his three children, Beth Kenner (Chris DeMassa), Michael Kenner and Karen Friedman (Sandy).  He is also survived by his former spouse, Barbara (Keyfetz) Kenner, and six grandchildren:  Jason Friedman, Melissa Friedman, Kevin Friedman, Jodi DeMassa, Laura DeMassa and Tyler DeMassa.

The son of Max Kenner and Beatrice (Kantz) Kenner, Harris was born in Elmira, New York, on January 13, 1934.  He attended Elmira Free Academy, the same school that his mother had attended, and graduated in 1952.  Harris' high school yearbook described him as "a big wheel in school affairs" who, with his background in math and science, would "make his mark in the medical world."

After graduating high school, Harris attended the University of Rochester where he met his wife-to-be, Barbara.  He joined the Alpha Delta Phi Fraternity and received his undergraduate degree in 1956.  Harris went on to attend the University of Buffalo School of Medicine and married in 1957.

The family moved frequently during the following years as Harris completed his medical training and launched his career.  They lived in Rochester, NY (Internship, Genesee Hospital), Rochester, MN (Residency, Mayo Clinic), Boston, MA (Residency, Cardiology, New England Center Hospital), Toledo, OH and Annandale, VA (Public Health Service).  Beth was born in Buffalo (1960), and Michael (1962) and Karen (1964) were both born in Rochester, MN.  In 1968, the family settled in Rockville, MD.

Although it was demanding, Harris loved his work as a cardiologist.  He took time to learn about his patients' lives beyond the office visit.  In the 1970s, the beeper was a fixture on his belt, and he often took call during Christmas week as a favor to his colleagues.  Harris practiced in Bethesda and later in Chevy Chase and only recently retired in June of 2022.  His son, Michael, also became a cardiologist and worked alongside his father as he began his own career.

Harris also contributed to the medical field in administrative and advisory capacities.  From 1995 to 1997, he served as Chairman of the Medical Staff and sat on the Board of Directors at Suburban Hospital.  He embraced both roles with dedication and enthusiasm.

Harris was a loving father, grandfather and partner.  He met his partner, Nancy O'Keefe, in 1992, and their journey of companionship and love lasted to the end of his life.  They enjoyed going to concerts, dining out, taking leisurely drives and spending quiet evenings together at home.  Nancy described Harris as "the joy of her life" and was at his bedside when he passed away.

As for his children, Beth remembers Dad taking each child out of school one day a year to go watch planes take off from the airport, sit in on courtroom trials and visit the Smithsonian Natural History museum.  Interestingly, grandson Tyler also loves plane spotting, granddaughter Laura is now in law school, and granddaughter Jodi wrote a grade school report about her mom's childhood which described those "days off."

Harris was "Poppy" to Karen's children and "Grandpa" to Beth's children.  He visited Karen and her family every Sunday with fresh bagels in tow.  Harris often visited Beth and her family in California.  During one visit, Beth went into labor with her first child, so Grandpa met baby Jodi on her very first day.

Harris enjoyed reading and listening to music.  He kept his bookshelves filled with books about European and American history, aerial photography and Judaism and also had a very large collection of CDs.  He especially enjoyed reading The New Yorker and interpreting the covers.  For years, he displayed the weekly covers in a frame on his desk.  Also, he could always be counted on to spot a good restaurant and was a loyal patron of his favorites, both at home and when visiting the San Francisco Bay Area.

For many years, Harris looked forward to annual ski trips to Snowmass, CO, and was sometimes joined by his children. Harris was also a longtime fan of the New York Yankees and Washington (formerly Redskins) Commanders.

Harris' last words to Karen and others were "I'm okay."  He was always more interested in helping others than in accepting help for himself.  Our father, grandfather and loving companion was kind, generous and graceful to the end.

A funeral service in remembrance of Dr. Harris Kenner was held on December 30, 2022 at Garden of Remembrance Memorial Park in Clarksburg, Maryland.  Rabbi Eliana Fischel officiated a moving and memorable tribute.