Contributions to the tribute of David J. Harper

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In Memory of

David J. Harper

1941 - 2021

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Wednesday

September

Visitation at Funeral Home

2:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Wednesday, September 8, 2021

M. A. Connell Funeral Home Inc.

934 New York Avenue

Huntington Station, New York, United States

Get Directions

Thursday

September

Funeral Service

9:30 am

Thursday, September 9, 2021

St Elizabeths Church

181 Wolf Hill Road

Melville, New York, United States

Get Directions

Rich Moran posted a condolence

Wednesday, September 8, 2021

That is such very sad news. Mr. Harper was one the greatest teachers of all time! He would set you straight when need be, but was always thought of as a friend. He taught China at Northport Jr. High. I was also very lucky to have him as a wrestling coach .... great teacher, great coach, great friend, great man! There was only one Mr. Harper!

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Rich Dolle posted a condolence

Wednesday, September 8, 2021

I had Mr. Harper in 1988-89 for Social Studies at Northport Junior High. The 1988 presidential election was a ready-made lesson in civics and government. To illustrate his lessons, Mr. Harper spoke about Joe Fattageech and Buster Fazool running on the Communist-Socialist line for President. It was at least a month before I realized these were not real people. To this day this memory makes me smile. My condolences to Dave’s family and friends.

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Keith Beutel posted a condolence

Wednesday, September 8, 2021

Out of all the teachers I had throughout school there was always one teacher that stood out, and that was Mr. Harper. I had Mr. Harper for ninth grade History. He made school fun, with his stories of Joe Bushnock, Buster Fazool, Harry Galotz, and Joe Shmoe all of Hoboken. He would walk around with his “harpoon“ which was a flagstick Broken in half and take together with masking tape. Every once in a while you feel a little boink on the back your head if you were talking in class and it was Mr. Hopper in his room and you’re new to shut up lol. I remember one time he kept myself Leo, and Glenn after class to teach him how to talk like Donald Duck, we were there for about 40 minutes lol. Out of everybody I know that has Mr. Harper as a teacher I never heard one person talk poorly of him. He was well respected in our school as a teacher and as an authority figure . My condolences to his family he will be missed. May God bless you Mr. Harper.

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John Massaro posted a condolence

Wednesday, September 8, 2021

I recently learned of David's death. Dave and I met over sixty-five years ago when we were Freshmen schoolmates at St Peter's Prep in Jersey City. In our sophomore year, we cut class and attended his and my beloved New York (Baseball) Giants last home opening at the Polo Grounds before that sad move to San Francisco. While we won that day, three to two, the more lasting and warmest memory has remained spending that time with Dave. After graduation we went our separate ways but he always remained a loyal and concerned friend concerned with how I was doing. I was fortunate to have him in my life. Friendships are difficult to assess and I can only hope that in some small way I did for Dave what did in a big way for me. My condolences to his family. John Massaro

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Jack Benedik posted a condolence

Wednesday, September 8, 2021

Dave was one of the real “good guys”. We coached countless little league baseball games together. His sense of humor, positive attitude regardless of the score and genuine caring for each boy on the team ( and even a little girl one year) were more valuable lessons than the many baseball skills he imparted to the youngsters.- Jack Benedik

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Larry Gladysz posted a condolence

Tuesday, September 7, 2021

September 1956- First day Sophomore year. Because my last name begins with a G, a freckle faced kid whose last name begins with an H for Harper clambers into the desk behind me. Little did I know then that today I would be so very proud to say that throughout the ensuing 65 years, I have continued to feel that close to Dave. As kids we skinned our hearts and we skinned our knees together. If you were lucky enough to have known Dave you are so very fortunate. If you were one of his countless friends, you are truly blessed because his steadfast friendship knew no bounds. His humorous stories were legendary. His inimitable delivery and uncanny ability to recall the smallest of details from 50 years ago always dazzled everyone. Although Dave is physically gone, he will forever be in our hearts. Our love to Roberta, David, Nick, Jennifer, Jan and Emily With heartfelt Sympathy, Larry & Carol Gladysz

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Wally uploaded photo(s)

Tuesday, September 7, 2021

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UP THE FIELD PEOPLE!!! Gonna miss you Dave!

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Dominick Hart posted a condolence

Tuesday, September 7, 2021

Dave was a friend and classmate at Prep. He was quick witted, thoughtful, and kind as a young man and no doubt a fine mentor throughout his career to all the young folks in his care. Though I have not seen him for these many years, I remember him fondly and with gratitude for having known him. My condolences to all his family. May he rest in peace.

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Jim Hoops posted a condolence

Monday, September 6, 2021

I was a student teacher at Northport Junior High School in the fall semester of 1980. Dave treated me as a colleague and was kind, considerate and very helpful. He was a great role model and a wonderful teacher who was well liked by both faculty members and students. He had an easy way about him around kids. He served the Northport-East Northport community very well. I remember him well all these years later. That's the kind of impression he made on people.

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Pam Uruburu posted a condolence

Monday, September 6, 2021

I was privileged to work with Dave before and after he retired. He told me that he enjoyed subbing because he liked the kids and looked forward to the Hawaii trips he saved for. My deepest condolences to his family.

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Adam Cotler posted a condolence

Monday, September 6, 2021

The best history teacher off all time. I remember his Childhood Hoboken stories. He called my brother crusher when he was the wrestling coach and when I as the younger smaller brother had his class he called me crusher, that was nice. Okay one story he told us all. In his early days of teaching he like many had to take a summer job. He worked in a lipstick factory and would bring home the rejects in a bag for his family and friends to pick over. The factory also made unusual colors/shades and he would have a good time showing his wife and children them. My strongest memory of him was his decency. A good decent person. You will live on in our hearts

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Antoinette Blanck posted a condolence

Monday, September 6, 2021

I am saddened to hear about Dave's passing. To his family and friends, please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss. Dave was a great man, a wonderful educator and a story teller extraordinaire. I had the great pleasure and honor of knowing and working with Dave in the Northport-East Northport School District and in the UTN and UTN-R. I always enjoyed our conversations and loved hearing his stories, whether they be about history, his classroom experiences, or a recent adventure he and his wife were planning or had just enjoyed. They say that to teach is to touch a life forever. Dave, you have touched so many lives-those of students and colleagues alike. Your love and passion for teaching and of history will live on in those you have so beautifully touched. Godspeed, my friend. Your job here on Earth is complete. May you now soar with the angels and rest in the loving peace of our Lord. Until we meet again!

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