Ronald Preston Harper,

Ronald Preston Harper, Sr., 75, a lifelong resident of Lancaster City, passed away in his sleep on Saturday, April 12, 2014 after a long battle with emphysema. Ron is the son of Forrest and Susan Harper and the brother of Edward Harper, all of whom are deceased. Ron was a 1956 graduate of McCaskey High School and was a varsity athlete in football and track. AT 5’5” tall and 160 lbs, he was a running back in a backfield of athletes much larger than himself, but with typical tenacity and heart gained a starting position on the team as a sophomore. In track, he ran the 100 yard dash in 10.1 seconds and had a personal best long jump of over twenty feet; these in the days of cinder tracks. After high school, Ron received a draft notice from the army and he promptly contacted the United States Marine Corps and told them he wanted to join the best fighting force in the world. His recruiter informed him to not open the draft envelope and come to the office to sign up. He scored high enough in the exams that he qualified for aviation radar technician training. In boot camp in those days it was customary to lock two recruits in a quonset hut and allow them to fight for the right to be squad leader; at the end of boot camp, Ron was squad leader and also the platoon high shooter, qualifying as an expert. Ironically, Ron had a longtime aversion to firearms. He served three years working on F4 Hawkeye aircraft and was discharged honorably. Ron worked for 30 years at RCA at first as a tube tester and then, with hard work, became Quality Control manager—with only a high school education; today that position would require a college degree. He then worked at Burle Industries and then at Hurley Industries where he ended his career in quality control. Ron’s love of sports continued throughout his life. He coached midget football for Manor Ridge, became a PIAA football official in the 1970’s and continued in that capacity until the disease that took his life ravaged his lungs and he could no longer officiate. He also played fast pitch softball in the heyday of the sport in the 1960’s and ‘70’s for the rec league playing catcher and shortstop. Although not a big hitter, he was fast around the bases and took great joy in stealing those bases. Bowling was also a passion and he played in the Nut League at Rocky Springs for many years. In later life, Ron participated in the home schooling of his grandchildren, teaching mathematics and his favorite subject, science. Ron is survived by his loving wife, Bertha (Dissinger) whom he married in 1961, and their three children: Timothy, husband of Susan Harper; Ronald, Jr. husband of Melody Harper; and Jennifer, wife of Christopher Blakesley. There are six grandchildren: Joshua, Rebekah, Zachariah, Josiah (JJ), Melody Joy and Olivia. Zach and JJ have followed in their grandfather’s footsteps and are both involved with aviation in the USMC. Ron’s legacy is one of compassion and love for his fellow man and animals, helping both whenever possible. His faith in God allowed him to weather his disease with dignity and grace, rarely complaining and always keeping laughter close by. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Ron’s Funeral Service on Thursday, April 17, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at Millersville Bible Church, 1940 New Danville Pike, Millersville, PA 17551 with Pastor Paul Habecker officiating. The family will greet friends at the church from 10:00 am until the time of service. Interment will be held in Riverview Burial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Susquehanna Valley Pregnancy Services, 132 S. 8th Street, Lebanon, PA 17042.

Ronald Preston Harper,

April 14, 2014