Peter P. Harper Sr., 77, of Old Orchard Beach, Maine and former longtime resident of Northborough, died Sunday, Jan. 7, 2018 at his home. His 10-year courageous battle with cancer came to a peaceful end, surrounded by his devoted wife of 58 years, Lorraine (Leroux) Harper; his son; Peter P. Harper Jr. of Tampa, Fla.; and his daughter, Lynn Ann Harper-Hausner of Encinitas, Calif.
Peter was born and raised in Marlborough, the son of the late Theodore O. and Lorraine (Benway) Harper. He was the owner and manager of R&T Furniture Co. in Northborough, a family business founded by his father that Peter and Lorraine managed for 47 years.
Peter had a deep faith in the Catholic Church. He was a sports enthusiast and a lifelong fan of the New York Yankees. He was a dear friend to many, and for years could be found on Sundays during football season in the parking lot at Gillette Stadium hosting a popular tailgate.
Peter supported many local charities during his time in Northborough, was generous with his time supporting local sports over the years. He was a founder of Northborough Youth Hockey and a longtime member of the board of Northstar Ice Sports. Despite his long illness, he was still a regular volunteer at his local food pantry in Old Orchard Beach, Maine.
Most of all, Peter loved his family. His perfect day was spent on the beach, surrounded by family and friends, making round after round of his famous Bahama Mama’s.
Peter is also survived by his four adoring grandchildren, Ryan P. Harper of Providence, RI, Cristina M. Harper of Tampa, FL, Ava N. Hausner of Encinitas, CA, and Gabriela M. Harper of Tampa, FL; and his daughter-in-law, Mari Harper of Tampa, FL. He is also survived by his loving sister, Vicky Killeen of Marlborough, eight nieces, and two nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Funeral Mass to be celebrated Thursday, Jan. 11, at 11:00 a.m., in the North American Martyr’s Church, 8 Wyoma Drive, Auburn. Interment will follow in the Worcester County Memorial Park Cemetery in Paxton.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Britton-Wallace Funeral Home, 91 Central Street, Auburn.
In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in memory of Peter Harper Sr. to support cancer research and patient care: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 10 Brookline Place West, 6th Floor, Brookline, MA 02445.
