Howard Edwin Harper passed away peacefully on September 12, 2021 surrounded by his loving family. He lived a full and rich life with family and friends who adored him for his warmth, humor, positivity and generous spirit.

Howard was born on July 4, 1945 in Holyoke, Massachusetts, son of the late Roy Harper and Rita Guenette. He spent most of his adult life in Centerville, Ohio and Redding, Connecticut before moving to Southport, North Carolina seven years ago. 

For more than 50 years, Howard worked in sales and operations, working across healthcare, printing, and paper industries. Most recently, Howard led Sherbrooke Brands, LLC, a global importing business specializing in medical supplies. Prior to that, Howard led Baseline, Inc. a manufacturer of printing press supplies based out of Gurnee, Illinois. Howard also spent 30 years with Mafcote Industries in Norwalk, Connecticut, where he held many roles including Chief Operating Officer. Professionally, Howard was well regarded for his sales acumen, strong work ethic and deep business relationships that spanned decades and continents.   

Howard’s favorite things included long walks with his beloved dog Murphy, cheering on the Ohio State Buckeyes, watching the sunset on Oak Island beach, going on frequent date nights with his wife, Cindy, at Bella Cucina, Ports of Call, and many other area restaurants. Howard also loved visiting his children, Jonathan and Courtney, in Chicago (and of course bragging about them to anyone who would listen). 

Among the many important roles Howard played in life – husband, father, grandfather, papa, business leader – one that he especially treasured was playing Santa Claus. Howard brought joy and Christmas magic to dozens of families each year, making surprise stops to neighborhood children the day before Christmas Eve. On Christmas Day, he would make special Santa Claus visits to group homes managed by Ability Beyond, a not-for-profit dedicated to empowering people with developmental disabilities, mental illness, traumatic brain injuries and other conditions. 

A man of deep Christian faith, Howard worked in service to the church for many years. He was an active member of Epiphany Lutheran Church in Dayton, Ohio and led the church’s youth group. He also served on the vestry at Christ Church in Redding, Connecticut, where he was a congregant for more than 20 years. On most mornings he could be found praying in the garden of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, where he’s been a congregant since moving to Southport. 

Howard is survived by his wife Cynthia Witsil Harper of 47 years; his children, Kimberly Harper Mele (Andrew), Courtney Harper Cherry (Justin) and Jonathan Harper; grandchildren Alessandra Mele, Brooke Mele and Drew Mele; niece Kelly Ann Stein, and grandniece Isabelle Stein; brothers Kenneth Harper (Cheryl) and Douglas Harper (Cathy); and many beloved nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by brother John “Jack” Harper. 

Visitation will be held at Brunswick Funeral Service -Southport/Oak Island Chapel in Bolivia at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, September 17, 2021, with a memorial service to follow at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Howard’s name to Ability Beyond.  Online condolences may be sent to www.brunswickfuneralservice.com

Brunswick Funeral Service, Southport/Oak Island