Harris was a football running back who played in the National Football League for 13 seasons mainly with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He won four Super Bowls with the Steelers and was also the Most Valuable Player of Super Bowl IX.
Franco Harris Profile
| Ethnicity | Black, Italian |
| Birthday | March 7, 1950 |
| Died | Dec 20, 2022 |
| Age At The Time Of Death | 72 |
| Parents | Cad Harris, Gina Parenti |
What Exactly Is Franco Harris’ Ethnicity?
Harris had ethnicities including black and Italian. His father, Chad Harris was a Black soldier who served in World War II. He had his station in Italy during the war.
Ex-Pittsburgh Steelers running back Franco Harris is the son of a black father and an Italian mother. APHarris’s mother Gina Parenti on the other hand was an Italian native. In fact, Franco’s father, Chad married Gina when he was in Italy and made her his war bride. After the end of the war, Harris’ parents returned to the United States.
Harris’ Birthday, Age, Death
Franco Harris celebrated his birthday on March 7. He was born in 1950 in Fort Dix New Jersey. Harris mostly grew up in Mount Holly New Jersey near Fort Dix.
The late running back who was married to his wife Dana Dokmanovich, was 72 when he died on Dec 20, 2022. He passed away in his sleep with the doctors calling his demise sudden.
Details About Franco Harris’ Parents
Speaking a bit more about his family, Harris once said his father was in the Army for most of his childhood and that he didn’t make much money. The patriarch also worked as a supply officer at $300 per month at the Fort Dix hospital. He additionally worked at the PX or a snack bar.
Fort Dix New Jersey born late professional footballer Franco Harris. GettyHarris’s family reportedly never had extra money, so they always worked.
So Franco and Mario always waited table, bagged groceries, picked blueberries, and sold newspapers. The brother duo also shined shoes for a different regiment to Fort Dix.
Harris’s mother Gina taught the entrepreneurial streak to her son. As such whilst running the household she once also tried briefly to start a business that included importing Italian coffins. She additionally worked in school cafeterias.
Franco Harris Fun Fact
Chad Harris and Gina Parenti’s son and the late NFL player Franco Harris. AP- Harris’ mother Gina once banned her son, Harris from playing football because she was afraid that he would get hurt.
- Harris’ father Chad Harris served in Word War II.
- Franco’s mother was Italian and she met his father when he was stationed in the country.
- Franco Harris studied at Rancocas Valley Regional High School in Mount Holly Township, New Jersey.
- Harris attended Penn State University. During his time at Penn State, he played on the Nittany Lions football team.