Philip Robart Harper – formerly of Wellesley and Newton Centre, passed away in Ocala, Florida, July 10, 2005. He was 97.
Born in Boston, January 28, 1908, he moved to Wellesley in 1913 where he lived until 1969. He graduated from Wellesley High School, and from 1926 to 1948 worked at the Wellesley Trust Company. From 1948 until his retirement in 1973 he managed the Boston office of Shaw-Walker & Co., manufacturers of office furniture and equipment. As a Wellesley resident, he was active in the Wellesley Hills Congregational Church, was a Town Meeting member, and during World War II a member of the Wellesley Auxiliary Police. A close friend of Roger and Grace Babson, he also served many years as a Trustee and Treasurer of Webber College, founded by the Babsons in Lake Wales Florida. After his retirement, he lived in Newton Centre and, from 1979 to 1993 “to keep busy,” worked part time as a teller at Pioneer Financial in Waban. He moved to Ocala, Florida full time in 1998.
Beloved husband of the late Isabelle (Sweetser) Harper, who passed away in 1974, and the late Marjorie Harriet “Midge” (White) Harper, who passed away in 1995. Father of Stephen G. Harper and his wife Mary Anna Harper of Plymouth, Michigan. Also survived by one grandson, three great grandchildren.
A Memorial Service will be held in the Forsyth Chapel, Forest Hills Cemetery, Jamaica Plain on Saturday, October 8, at 11:00 a.m. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. Interment in Forest Hills Cemetery immediately following the Service. Expressions of sympathy may be made in his memory to the charity of your choice.