Gregory A. Harper

Gregory Allen Harper, beloved husband and father, passed away on January 24, 2024. Greg will be forever loved and missed by all who knew and loved him. 

Greg was born on March 24, 1955 in Chicago, Illinois to Don and Barbara Harper. Throughout Greg’s young life, he lived in many places with his family including St. Louis, Ferguson and Long Island. An avid skier, after he graduated from the University of New Hampshire, he decided to become a ski instructor. A few winters, and a few injuries later, he decided it was time for a “real job” (his words) and graduated with an MBA from William and Mary, with which he helped to get various companies started on a new ingenious marketing idea – buying clothes through mailed magazines. 

After getting married in 1986 to his wife Karen, whom he met on a blind date orchestrated by his future sister-in-law, the newlyweds settled for a bit in Hudson, New Hampshire. Soon after, they welcomed their two children, Kelly in 1990 and Connor in 1992. The family moved around New England as the marketing business evolved and Greg took new and different jobs in marketing as well as data management and analysis. A self-proclaimed data geek and Star Trek nerd, he enjoyed working with anything data-related the most. He always stayed up-to-date on the newest technologies as they became available and taught his family about the power of computers, often roamed Tweeter to check out the latest and greatest TVs and sound systems, and eventually picked up the hobby of building and flying around drones. In 2002, the family landed in Connecticut, making memories together until 2020, when they moved to Weymouth.

Greg worked to live, but he never lived to work. Throughout Greg’s life, he was always drawn to the water. Sailing and boating was of the upmost importance to him. A proud boat owner and captain, Greg would be perfectly content sitting aboard the “Rum Punch” in the marina, enjoying seafood and the sunset with some Dire Straits playing in the background. His recipe for the famous “Greg Harper Margarita” might be simple, but unless it was made by Greg himself, it never really tasted the same. Greg also enjoyed swimming whenever possible, scuba diving around tropical islands and reading every Tom Clancy and Michael Crichton book ever written. Greg found so much happiness in the simple things and had the kindest and gentlest demeanor with all people and animals alike. He could often be found sneaking the family dogs extra treats (they knew he was a softie) and taking casual strolls around the neighborhood whenever they pleased to enjoy the sunshine together.

Family was Greg’s greatest treasure. Greg is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Karen (McLaughlin) Harper. Greg leaves behind his two children who meant the world to him, Kelly (Harper) Gibson and Connor Harper, as well as his son-in-law Matt Gibson. He is also survived by his two brothers Steve and Pete, his sister Laura, and their spouses, as well as several nieces and nephews, and many wonderful life-long friends that Greg considered family.

Greg and his family are infinitely grateful to his team at Dana Farber Weymouth whose top-notch care for the past 10 months allowed Greg to continue to live life to the fullest possible. Greg always remained positive and light-hearted through the ups and downs of treatments, and together with his own sheer willpower, determination, and endless courage, Greg was able complete the sailing trip of his dreams around Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard this past summer with Karen and their dear friend, as well as cherish another Christmas season with his children. 

To honor Greg’s memory, a Memorial and Reception will take place on Saturday February 3rd, between 11am-3pm at The Parrot, 1 Hull Shore Dr, Hull, MA 02045. For those coming from out of town, we recommend staying a three-minute walk away at the Nantasket Beach Resort, 45 Hull Shore Dr, Hull, MA 02045. All friends and family are warmly invited to join us.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the The Harper Fund at Treasure Coast Hospice 1201 SE Indian St, Stuart, FL. 34997. The Harper Fund was established by the Harper Family in memory of Greg’s mother, Barbara Harper. The Harper Fund supports hospice patients and their families in financial need, and is also used to reunite families, send patients on a last fishing trip and has even given money for a patient to take a long-awaited honeymoon with his wife before passing. Donations can be received at treasurehealth.org/donate or by calling (772) 403-4547.

Greg, please rest in eternal peace now, with the sun shining on your face and your toes in the sand. We love you very much and will carry your strength with us in our hearts, always.