Cad Harris was an American army veteran and a loving father of one of the most famous former American professional football players, Franco Harris. With his son playing for 13 seasons in the NFL after being drafted in 1972, Cad’s support and guidance played a significant role in shaping Franco’s successful football career.

During his time as a professional player, Franco was a highly skilled running back who made many notable contributions to the Pittsburgh Steelers team. And throughout his journey in the NFL, he had his proud father by his side.

Sadly, Cad passed away on July 17th, 1980. The impact he had on Franco’s life and career will always be remembered by those who were acquainted with both of them. Even after losing his beloved father, Franco continued to excel in football, receiving accolades and achievements throughout his career.

But fate took its course when tragedy struck twice for this family with the loss of their beloved son, Franco, on December 21st, 2022.

Birth & Background

Cad Harris was born on March 24th, 1920, in Bolton, Hinds County, Mississippi, USA. He later moved to Sewickley, Pennsylvania, USA, where his son Franco Harris was born in 1950.

While we don’t have much information about Cad’s education, he lived a fulfilling life in Mississippi and may have completed his graduation there. Despite not knowing his educational qualifications for certain, Cad’s role as a loving father and army veteran contributed greatly to his son Franco’s success.

Additionally, we have no information about his siblings, or his parents and what they did for a living.

Gina Paneti Harris: Wife

Cad Harris and Gina Parenti Harris got married in 1947 after meeting in Pisa, Italy while Cad was serving in the army. Gina was 19 years old at the time and didn’t know English, but they fell in love and decided to get married.

Gina became a “War bride” because she married someone from another country during the war. After World War II ended, Gina moved to the USA to live with Cad. She had an Italian accent and didn’t like wearing makeup.

Gina, despite being the mother of NFL player Franco Harris, never had the chance to watch him play since she had no knowledge of the game. Cad and Gina, together, shared the joy of raising nine kids, including Franco Harris. The names of other children of Cad and Gina Harris were named Daniela, Mario, Franco, Marisa, Alvara, Luana, Piero, Giuseppe, and Michele.

Piero passed away from a heart attack on August 9, 2006, in West Palm Beach, Florida. He was just 49 years old at the time. Piero worked as an executive chef at the Professional Golfers’ Association of America (PGA) National Resort and Spa in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.

Tragically, Cad’s son Alberto Harris passed away in 2012, and Alvara Harris followed in 2013. Given Cad’s African heritage and Gina’s Italian background, their children were all born with a mixed ethnicity. It is with great sorrow that we report that Cad’s son Franco Harris passed away on December 21, 2022.

Cad Harris: Death

Cad Harris died at the age of 60 on July 17, 1980. He was laid to rest in Mount Holly Cemetery, situated in Mount Holly, Burlington County, New Jersey, USA. Gina, his wife, passed away on July 15, 2014, at the age of 86. She, too, rests in the vicinity of Cad’s grave in Mount Holly Cemetery.

Final Words

Cad Harris played a crucial role in shaping the successful football career of his son, Franco Harris. Despite his passing, Cad’s impact on Franco’s life and achievements will always be remembered and cherished.