Captain John A. Harper (Jack)
John A. Harper, Jr. passed away August 4, 2009 in Savannah, GA after a lengthy illness. Jack, as he was known to everyone, was born on June 5th, 1934 in Flushing, New York. He dedicated his life to the service of others, protecting the freedom of all Americans by proudly serving in the U. S. Military. That career began when he graduated from the U. S. Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point in 1956. Jack graduated with recognition for his achievements while at the Academy. Following graduation, he was commissioned an Ensign in the United States Navy after which he sailed two years as an engineer on the U. S. S. Algol and the U. S. S. Monrovia before entering the U. S. Naval Flight School in Pensacola, FL to pursue his dream of flying. Jack flew P2Vs – and served as Patrol Plane Commander on Neptune anti-submarine bombers in squadron VP56, stationed in Norfolk, VA. In 1971 he transferred to Naval Air Reserve in South Weymouth, MA where he rose to the rank of Commander and took command of 2 squadrons: VP-92 and VP-911, naval air reserve replacement training units. While continuing to serve his country in the reserves, Commander Harper was a B-727 1st Officer with Northeastern Airlines, which merged with Delta Airlines. Jack achieved the rank of Captain, flying DC9s, B727s, B757s, B767s and L-1011s, both domestically and internationally.
Jack was a member of The Wardroom Club in Boston, MA, The Retired Officers Association (TROA), The Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) The Marshfield Country Club in Marshfield, MA and The Landings Club in Savannah, GA.
Jack leaves behind his wife of 49 years, Phyliss Y. Harper, his children John A. Harper III of Scituate, MA and Tara Setter of Savannah, GA. Daughter-in-law Wendy Harper, of Scituate, MA; Grandchildren: Nicole and Jack Harper of Scituate, MA and Charlie Setter of Savannah, GA. Brothers and Sister: Gail Leone, along with husband Bob of West Palm Beach, FL, Barry Harper, along with wife Jeannette of Tampa, FL, Paul Harper, along with wife Joyce of Pomona, CA. Brother-in-law Chick Yost, along with wife Barbara, of Newport News, VA. Jack was also blessed with many nieces and nephews. Jack will be remembered by countless friends and family members as one of the kindest souls to have graced this earth. His loving heart and warm smile will be missed.
Funeral from the MacDonald Funeral Home 1755 Ocean St (rte 139) Marshfield Friday August 14, at 9:00 am
followed by a Funeral Mass in St Christine’s Church 1295 Main St. (Rte 3A) Marshfield at 10:00.
Visiting hours Thursday August 13, from 4:00 to 8:00 pm.
Jack will be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors on November, 25, 2009 at 11:00am.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to: The Landings Military Family Relief Fund c/o Savannah Chapter American Red Cross (Attn: Gerald Von Bargen 2 Woodbrook Court, Savannah, GA 31411). Donations are tax deductible and the Red Cross will send a receipt within 2 weeks.
For online guestbook and directions visit www.macdonaldfuneralhome.com.