James R. "Dick" Harper, Sr.

James R. (Dick) Harper, Sr., age 87, passed away on April 14, 2022, at Lorien Encore Assisted Living in Ellicott City, MD. Born in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, he was the son of John And Dorothy (Woods) Harper. He resided in Essex, MD for 53 years and was a successful agent and sales manager at Prudential Insurance for nearly three decades. Dick was a veteran of the United States Army serving in Germany during the late 1950's. He was a communicant of St. Clare's Catholic Church and a tireless volunteer for the Essex Recreation Council when his three sons were growing up. Dick loved fishing, crabbing, sports-especially Ravens football and Orioles Baseball-and weekly card games with his buddies. Most of all he loved his family and friends, and they loved him.

Dick is survived by his wife of 65 years, Betty C. Harper (nee Fink), son James R. Harper, Jr. and wife Jamie, daughter-in-law Deana Harper, and grandchildren Matthew Harper, Michael Harper, Stephen Harper, Icee Miller, Tyler Harper, Andrew Harper, Devin Harper, and Rachel Harper, sister Mary Jo Albright and many great and great-great nieces and nephews and a large extended family.

In addition to his parents, Dick was predeceased by his sons, Anthony Harper, Timothy Harper, and Timmy's wife Christie. He was also predeceased by his brothers John Harper, Bernard Harper, and sister Dorothy. He leaves behind an incredible collection of hats and shoes that he cherished.

Friends and family will honor and celebrate Dick's life during viewings at the Connelly Funeral Home of Essex, 300 Mace Avenue, Essex, MD 21221 on Thursday, April 21st from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and 7:00 pm to 9:00 PM. A funeral service will be held at the Connelly Funeral Home of Essex on Friday, April 22nd, at 11:00 AM.

Interment will be private on a later date. In lieu of flowers, condolences may be sent to the family at: "www.kidney.org/donation" or "www.give.curemelanoma.org/give" or "www.diabetes.org/diabetes/donation"