OBITUARIES Stephen “Steve” Harris died Nov. 17 at the age of 65. Mr. Harris was the owner and president of Rixan Associates Inc., an industrial robotics company that’s been operating in the Dayton area since 1959. The son of Aaron “Rick” and Beatrice Harris, Mr. Harris was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. on July 22, 1951. The Harris family moved to Dayton when Mr. Harris was a young child, and he attended Shiloh Elementary School and graduated from Meadowdale High School in 1969. He then moved on to attend Bowling Green State University where he received his bachelor’s degree in chemistry. This is where Mr. Harris met the love of his life, Deborah “Deb” Wycoff, and they married in June 1974. Working for Nalco Chemical Company for 10 years, the couple lived in Schereville, Ind.; Fort Wayne, Ind.; and St. Louis. The move to Dayton was made in winter 1983, when he joined his father as a partner in Rixan. Mr. Harris, a natural entrepreneur, transformed the business from government suppliers to a robotics and turn-key automation systems company. Their first child, Amanda “Mandy,” was born in January 1986 followed by son, Alexander “Al,” in February 1990. Mr. Harris’ biggest passion outside of work was Sports Car Club of America (SCCA). Starting as a race car driver, Mr. Harris ascended through the ranks to become a member of SCCA’s executive board. His love of all things automobile, resulted in his co-founding of the Dayton Concours d’Elegance, which he chaired for 10 years. Another interest was football, where, besides agonizing over the Bengals, he coached his son Al in Centerville’s Wee Elks program for six years. Mr. and Mrs. Harris counted traveling, hiking, and wine among their many interests together. A loving husband, incredibly devoted father, and great friend to many, Mr. Harris will be sorely missed by his family and all who knew him. Mr. Harris is also survived by his mother, Bea Harris (Dayton) and his sister, Joan Steinberg (Augusta, Ga.). Interment was at Riverview Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.
Elsie M. Mintz, age 94, of Dayton, formerly of the Chicago area, passed away Nov. 18. Mrs. Mintz was a life member of Hadassah. She is survived by two daughters: Judy (Alan) Chesen and Carole (Neal) Eikenberry, five grandchildren, two greatgrandchildren, two greatgreat grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Interment was at Portage, Ind. Memorial contributions may be made to Beth Abraham Synagogue or the charity of your choice. Harriet Austrian Pinkus, age 93, of Miamisburg, passed away at Kingston of Miamisburg Nursing Home. Mrs. Pinkus was a lifelong member of Beth Abraham Synagogue. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jacob and Sara Austrian, and her husband, Irwin A. Pinkus. She is survived by her two sons and daughters-in-law, Robert and Pamela, and Alan and Rebecca; three granddaughters, Sarah Ellen Pinkus Chaffe, Rachel A.
Pinkus, and Barrie L. Pinkus all from the Dayton area; one great-grandson, Liam Jacob Chaffe. Interment was at Beth Abraham Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Beth Abraham Synagogue. Manuel “Manny” Tabackman was born Feb. 20, 1924 and passed away Nov. 18 in Palm Desert, Calif. He was in the Army Air Forces during World War II, and after the war settled in Dayton with his wife, Colleen, and two daughters, Marla and Diane, devotedly serving the insurance needs to many lifelong friends and clients through First Insurance Co. Mr. Tabackman was preceded in death by his mother and father, Lillie Cohen and Max Tabackman, his wife, Colleen, and daughter, Marla. He is survived by his loving daughter and son-in-law Diane Rose and Gary Fenn. Diane may be contacted by email: dianerfenn@icloud.com or mail at 72328 Bajada Trail, Palm Desert, CA 92260.
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