Merrill Gerald Harper

Merrill Gerard Harper, 83, of Epsom, died November 14, 2009 at Concord Hospital. He was born in Whitehall, NY on December 19, 1926, the son of the late Merrill C. and Rose M. (Kerin) Harper. Raised in Whitehall, he was a graduate of Whitehall High School, Class of 1944. He enlisted in the US Navy and was a decorated World War II Veteran, serving in the Pacific Theatre. He attended Ithaca College in Ithaca, NY and was employed for thirty years as a radiation protection specialist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, retiring in 1992. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, listening to classical music and photography. He also loved playing cards, especially Contract Bridge where he was an American Contract Bridge League Master. Family members include his wife of 50 years, Thelma (Hauber) Harper; three sons, Michael Harper of Epsom, Merrill Harper of Pembroke, and John Harper and his wife Doreen of Concord; four granddaughters, Haley, Kelsey, Melissa and Sarah; a brother, Norman Harper and his wife Joan of Wolfeboro; a sister, Norma Sheehan of Hilton Head, SC; and nephews, nieces and cousins. There will be a private memorial service held at the convenience of the family. The Cremation Society of NH is in charge of arrangements. To view an on-line obituary, sign a guest book or more information, go to www.csnh.com.