Richard L. Harper, 91, of Clearfield died Thursday, Sept. 24, 2015 at Penn Highlands Clearfield Hospital after a lengthy illness. Born Sept. 7, 1924, he was the son of Lewis and Ruth (Bloom) Harper.
Mr. Harper retired from the Clearfield Cheese Co. in Curwensville. He had also worked with his father in the Harper Mines located in Hepburnia.
He was a 1942 graduate of the Clearfield Area High School. Following his graduation, he enlisted in the Paratroopers 101st Airborne of the 501st Parachute Infantry.
He participated in the D-Day Invasion. He was wounded in Holland, and received a Purple Heart along with two Bronze Stars.
He was a member of the American Legion Post No. 6 and the Trinity United Methodist Church in Clearfield. He loved his garden and always had a large harvest, which he would can and preserve. He also loved hunting and fishing and was an avid sports fan.
On Aug. 4, 1947 in the Trinity United Methodist Church of Clearfield, he wed the former Beatrice Grice. She survives.
He is survived by four sons and a daughter, James Harper and his wife, Ann, Walter Harper and his wife, Gail, Thomas Harper and Mary Ann Condon and her husband, Talon, all of Clearfield, and Lewis Harper and his wife, Pat of Corning, NY.
Also surviving are five grandchildren, Aimee McGarry and her husband, Cameron of Curwensville, Becky Michael and her husband, Aaron of LaJose, Brent Harper of New York City, Andrew Harper and Kristin Meckes and her husband, Ryan, both of Corning, NY, and four great-grandchildren, Remmington and Abbey McGarry and Gunnar and Connor Michael.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Betty Pillot and Monabelle Frontino; and two grandchildren, Matt Harper and Elyse Condon.
At the request of Mr. Harper, there will be no public visitation or services.
The family suggests contributions be made to either The Nathaniel Yingling Cancer Center, 815 Doctors Dr., Clearfield, PA 16830, or the Trinity United Methodist Church, 121 S. Second St., Clearfield, PA 16830.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.chidboyfuneralhome.com.
The Chester C. Chidboy Funeral Home Inc. of Clearfield is in charge of the arrangements.
