Letter to the editor: Remembering the generous heart of Franco Harris

It is with a heavy heart that I write this memory of Franco Harris. It is a unique glimpse into his heart.

A few years ago, in my position as executive director of a drug treatment center during the height of the opioid epidemic, Franco agreed to be the keynote speaker at a fundraiser to benefit the opioid treatment efforts of my agency. Prior to agreeing to lead his name, support and commitment to these fundraising efforts he requested a meeting to understand our mission as a treatment agency.

During our lunch meeting (his treat), Franco, myself and an agency board member who organized the event met for several hours. Franco was extremely concerned about the increasing numbers of overdoses throughout the region and wanted to know specifically about Indiana County — the number of overdoses and how the potential money raised would be utilized to provide treatment for those in need.

He not only agreed to be the keynote speaker that evening, helping to raise over $100,000 for those in need of treatment, but he actually started the bidding on auction items by committing and donating a few thousand dollars to a specific item.

His heart and generosity were on full display that evening; it was his lifestyle — he had a day-to-day commitment to better the lives of others. He was a role model indeed for all of us to be our brother’s keeper. It is an honor to have known him. He will be deeply missed.

Vince Mercuri

West Deer