LAFAYETTE HILL, PA. — Nelson G. Harris, former president and chief executive officer of Tasty Baking Co., died Jan. 10. He was 85 years old.

Following his service in the U.S. Navy during World War II, Mr. Harris received a bachelor’s of science degree from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in 1948 and a doctorate from the Temple University School of Law in 1953.

Mr. Harris joined Tasty Baking in 1959, and he held several positions, including vice-president and treasurer, until leaving the company in 1968 to become president of Horn and Hardart Baking Co. He later was associated with Central Valley Co., the mortgage and title insurance subsidiary of Industrial Valley Bank and Trust Co. in Philadelphia.

Mr. Harris rejoined Tasty Baking in 1974, and he was named president in 1979, chief executive officer in 1981 and chairman and c.e.o. in 1991. He retired in May 1992, at which point he was succeeded by Carl S. Watts.

He was a member of various boards of directors and was actively involved with the Blind Relief Fund of Philadelphia for more than 42 years, serving as president of the group for 32 of those years.

Survivors include three sons, Stephen, David and Thomas; a daughter, Patricia de Barros; a brother, Col. Frank W. Harris, III; and 10 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Rita Jane Storrie; a son, William; and a daughter, Nancy.

A memorial service will be held Jan. 14 at the Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill, 8835 Germantown Ave in Philadelphia.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to The Blind Relief Fund of Philadelphia, 551 Walnut Lane, Philadelphia, PA 19128.