Frank T Harper, Jr

Frank T. Harper age 91, passed away peacefully on Sunday January 14, 2024 at Granite VNA Hospice House. His family and best friend were by his side in his final hours. Frank was a man that valued people more than anything.  He is survived by his wife of 66 years Sandra, his two children Paula Harper and Eric Harper (Linda), 4 Grandchildren Cassidy Clairmont (Chuck), Haylee Silver (Brandon), Molly Harper, Jacob Harper (Jackie).  3 Great Grandchildren, Eliza and Milo Clairmont and Harper Silver.  His best friend and fellow troublemaker Owen (Geezer 2) Gaskell. Many dear neighbors, friends, nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by his parents Frank and Gladys Harper, Sister Veryl Brissette and Son-in-law James (Huggy) Lawrence.

Frank was a proud Korean veteran.  During his time in the Air Force, he developed a love of flying and space, that lasted a lifetime. In his golden years, he loved having a VW trike painted with a mig fighter scene that he took in many parades as well as to the Rolling Thunder Veterans Ride in Washington D.C.  His final long ride when he was 81, was when he drove his Harley trike all the way to Washington DC with his son in law, daughter and grand-daughter, which was on his bucket list. On that trip he also found the grave of the pilot that he flew with in Korea at Arlington, escorted by his beloved Son-in-Law Huggy.   His final motorcycle ride was to escort Huggy to his final resting place at the Veterans Cemetery.  

There were no bounds to his imagination and where he was willing to go.  In High School he wrote an essay about the future in which he said men would walk on the moon, and 20 years later they did.  I bet the teacher that gave him an F on his essay because it was not possible for men to land on the moon, regretted that decision.

He had a deep sense of community and giving back. He served as Pack Leader for his son’s boy scout pack, at different times having over 100 boys in his pack.  Fifty years ago, Frank and Sandra along with a few other hearty volunteers were the founding members of Tri-Town Volunteer Ambulance service in the Pembroke, Allenstown, Hooksett areas.  Frank enjoyed people and thru his life provided food, clothes, lodging and guidance to many young people who needed a father figure, friend or confidant.    He could figure out anything and build it.  His hands were those of a true working man, having taught many young people how to fix a car, weld a piece of metal or put bike chain back on a child’s bike. In his golden years he was an emergency medication delivery driver, delivering medicines to homes, nursing homes and hospices around NH with his best buddy Owen, both were loved by patients and nurses alike.

He was a man that valued Freedom and knew the cost of Freedom, and the value of hardwork.

SERVICES: Services will be on Monday, January 22, 2024 at 10AM at the Cremation Society of NH, 172 King St. in Boscawen.  Interment to follow at the NH Veterans Cemetery. His family wishes to thank the amazing staff of Laconia Rehab, Concord Hospital 6^th floor, and Granite VNA Hospice for their kindness and care.