There are two types of "big" people; the type that may be physically large in size and the type that simply make a "big" impression. Long time court reporter Alan Harris (aka A.J. Court Reporting) was small in stature, yet big in his impact upon the local criminal justice system. He passed away, after a lengthy illness, at age 69. You may not know him by name, but many of you will certainly recognize the face.
Alan was a court reporter for many decades, a familiar face not only within the vicinity of the criminal court house but, also to many civil lawyers as well. Some court reporters may just want to keep to themselves, do their job and eschew from a personal relationship with the lawyers but not Alan...he socialized, I mean really socialized with the lawyers. He was an immensely friendly guy that, after a couple depositions settings, became your genuine friend. With his grating New Yawk accent, Alan loved to employ Yiddish terms when kibitzing. He was hardly an all business type since he loved waltzing into law offices to collect court reporting fees ,yet also to shoot the breeze with anybody that wanted to socialize. He was physically diminutive but had a huge personality where he endeared himself to the ladies (as the photograph quite accurately depicts).
Alan was diagnosed with a serious illness last year so he elected to move out of town and spend his remaining months with his children and grand children. He was a terrific father and grandfather.
A difficult aspect of this profession is that it acts as a fraternity; hang around long enough and you will see a lot of friends and associates leave this Earth. I am so saddened to see Alan Harris forever leave the court house, he was a wonderful and affable man.
His funeral will be on November 16th, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Lakeside Memorial Park, 10301 NW 25th St, Miami Fl 33172.
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9 comments:
Here are the funeral plans for Alan Harris, my dear friend who I will miss dearly. He was not just a good court reporter, he was a good guy.
Mike Catalano
Alan Jay Harris, 69, of Miami, Florida passed away on November 14, 2023.
Alan was born in Queens, New York on December 25, 1953 to the late William and Belle Harris. Alan is survived by his children Staci (Torey) Brewer and Dennis (Ariana) Harris; and grandchildren Blayke and Easton Brewer and Jack, Mia, Kora, and Rae Harris.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, November 16, at 11:00 AM at Lakeside Memorial Park, 10301 NW 25th St, Miami, FL, 33172
The family will sit Shiva Thursday evening beginning at 6:15 PM with minyon starting at 6:30 PM at the Alper JCC Building 3/Rotunda 11155 SW 112 Ave, Miami FL, 33176
The Harris family has an account set up at Roasters n Toasters (305-251-4848, Dial 1)
For contributions in memory of Alan, the family suggests donations to the Alper JCC Miami (www.alperjcc.org/donate)
AJ was a mensch. Nicest fellow and a great reporter. He leaves a void.
Alan was a true gem.A true New Yawker and lifelong Rangers fan, it was hard to see him suffer like he did. But even though he was suffering, he always had a smile on his face. RIP my friend.
I met Alan many decades ago as he was the court reporter on a first degree murder case I was trying. After the acquittal Alan and I would occasionally see each other either on the street, in court or in a depo Alan was reporting. He was always friendly, personable and would remind me of the trial and at one time gave me a heads up on another case he reported that he thought would be of interest to me. I am sadden that he is gone and had to suffer so much. Although he was short of height, he was long on his intellect, and concern for others.I wish his family well and I am sadden to lose this fine, outstanding man.
He was my regular reporter and I loved the guy but I made the mistake of telling him a certain female judge had seen miles of d*ck in college. Alan would then dutifully let me know every single time he appeared in her court by saying "Hey, I saw Miles!"
What AJ had was a big heart. He had that in drives. To use the Yiddish he liked to use, he was a mensch. He was a great friend and I am going to miss his smile and laugh which brightened the darkest depo and kibitzing with him which he loved to do. Rest in peace dear friend.
There was an episode of "Criminal Minds" about a court reporter who went crazy after years of having to transcribe the lies and excuses of defendants. So the court reporter went on a rampage killing defendants whom he thought were wrongfully acquitted.
12.55.00 pm: Ick!!
12:55, now I will be trying to figure that one out all weekend.
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