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ROBERT HARPER Obituary

HARPER--Robert Francis, died after a brave fight with cancer, on January 23, 2020 in Rotterdam, Netherlands, with his wife Sascha Noorthoorn van der Kruyff at his side. Born in New York City on May 19, 1951, the fourth son of Eugene and Muriel (nee Drumgoole) Harper, he had a long career on stage, screen, and television, including, among many credits, in the Broadway premiere of Arthur Miller's "American Clock," in Sergio Leone's "Once Upon a Time in America," Woody Allen's "Deconstructing Harry," George Romero's "Creepshow," Mike Newell's "Amazing Grace and Chuck," and Michael Mann's "The Insider," and as a regular or featured star in the TV series "Frank's Place, "Philly," "L.A. Law," "Roseanne," "Murphy Brown," and "Gilmore Girls." He was a longtime member of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences. In addition to his wife, he is survived by brothers, Eugene, James, Gerard, Daniel and his sister, Mary Harper Hagan, and predeceased by brothers, Lawrence, Thomas, and William. Also surviving are 15 nieces and nephews and five grand-nieces and nephews. He graduated from Mater Dei High School (now Prep) in Middletown, NJ and Rutgers College in New Brunswick, NJ, at which he delivered the commencement address at University College in 2007. A memorial service will be held in New Jersey at a later date. Contributions in his memory may be made to Mater Dei Prep's performing arts programs, c/o Mater Dei Prep, 538 Church Street, Middletown, NJ 07748 or materdeiprep.org.

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Published by New York Times on Jan. 30, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for ROBERT HARPER

Sponsored by The Heartbroken Left-Behind'ers.

23 Entries

chip fitts

February 1, 2025

Impressive credits for him. Rest easy Robert

chip fitts

January 31, 2025

I SAW HIM PLAY BUBBA WEISSBURGER THE LAWYER ON THE LATE 80'S TV SERIES "FRANKS PLACE" THE SERIES WAS INTERESTING ALTHOUGH IT LASTED ONLY ONE SEASON. R.I.P.

Dave

January 24, 2025

Too soon.
Too soon.

Sascha Harper

January 24, 2023

Geez... going on with my life -as I'm sure you would have wanted me to do- is no mean feat :-( but I'll get there in the end and then I can rest easy again.
Just a little more help from you!

Your wifey who misses yourguidance xoxox

Markus Buchart

December 27, 2022

Mr. Harper was brilliant as Judge Irwin Hawes in the 2001-02 TV show Philly - a sad comment on judges but high praise to him as an actor. Rest in peace, Mr. Harper.
Markus Buchart
Winnipeg, Canada
Fan

Charlotte Erkel Van Laan

January 28, 2021

He was an interesting guy and very well spoken. I am currently watching Gilmore Girls where he appeared. He was a student of my husband, Thomas Van Laan, at Rutgers University where they became friends and we would get together, along with Sascha, whenever we could. Loved his New York accent! Sadly, Tom is also gone. The picture is at the Old Globe Theater in San Diego.

Sascha Harper

January 27, 2021

Gawd, how I miss you :(

David Kane deliotk

January 27, 2021

Hi Robert, Mr. Harper, Sascha's Mr.

Although I never had the pleasure of meeting you in person I shared the joy of the many trips and Sundays in the park that you and your lady, Sascha, enjoyed.

By way of emails, or chats Sascha kept me apprised of your adventures and Sunday pannekoeken breakfasts, brunches, and bicycle rides.

I was there too (vicariously) for your hospital visits and consultations with your doctors and the ups and downs of that trying time.

The memories of all those who knew you, images we can summon at will, keeps your spirit and vibrancy alive for us.

Thank you for you.

Dave

David Kane

January 27, 2021

Hi Robert, Mr. Harper, Sascha's Mr.

Although I never had the pleasure of meeting you in person I was able to share the joy of the many trips and Sundays in the park that you and your lady, Sascha, enjoyed.

By way of emails, or chats Sascha kept me apprised of your adventures and Sunday pannekoeken breakfasts, brunches, and bicycle rides.

I was there too (vicariously) for your hospital visits and consultations with your doctors and the ups and downs of that trying time.

The memories of all those who knew you, images we can summon at will, keep your spirit and vibrancy alive for us.

Thank you for you.

Dave

Tim Collins

June 30, 2020

My father Bill Collins was best friends with Mr. Harper growing up. My father always spoke very fondly of him and had great memories. He was so proud of the fact "Bobby" as he called him was a Hollywood actor and every single time he was on tv, my dad pointed him out. Every. Single. Time. Mr. Harper had written to me after my father's passing and was very gracious and had nothing but kind words to say about my dad. I hope they are both celebrating the wonderful things they are both remembered for and my prayers and condolences are with your family through your loss.

Virginia E Collins

June 30, 2020

I just found out of Bobby's passing. He was a great guy and best friend to my husband, Billy Collins who passed also. I am so sorry for your loss! Ginny Collins

Janet Collins

June 30, 2020

Bobby, I know God has welcomed you into his kingdom happily. Thank you for being there when Bill passed away. I'm so sadden to learn of your passing. May God bless your family and keep them strong. Give my brother a hug for me. Rest easy.

Mike Folie

April 23, 2020

So sorry to hear of Bob's passing. My condolences to his large and loving family and his many friends. I knew and acted with Bob at Rutgers in Neil Cuthbert's The Soft Touch and Othello. He was an exceptionally talented and generous actor. I'm so glad I had the opportunity to work with and learn from him.

Peter Fierro

March 13, 2020

I knew Robert in high school and enjoyed following his career. I was a freshman and he took me aside and coached me for my one line in Camelot . I always appreciated that gesture and he was an amazing King Arthur!! RIP Bob!

Eternal Affection Arrangement- BASKET INCLUDED

a loved one

Sent Flowers

David Kane

February 6, 2020

I am sad that Robert has left us although I never met him in person. I knew of him through his wife, Sascha Harper Noorthoorn van der Kruyff. In fact I have not met Sascha in person either, only online through texts and emails; the 21st century equivalent of pen pals.

Whether online or in the flesh, friendship, sharing and caring forge the same close bonds.

My deepest sympathy for Robert's passing.

Charlotte ErkelVan Laan

February 5, 2020

Bob was a student at Rutgers University of Thomas F. Van Laan's. Professor Van Laan directed him in several plays at Rutgers. Bob and Sascha became close friends of Tom and me and we shared many happy times together. He will be sadly missed.

James Weissenbach

February 5, 2020

You've always been one of my favorite clients and a dear friend. I loved going to piano concerts and theater and movies during Christmas. I've missed seeing you but I've always been glad to know that you had someone you love in Sasha.

Rest easy, my friend

Sister Christina (Maryrose) Pecoraro

February 3, 2020

Bob, like all the Harpers, belonged from timeless time in God's Camelot.
With family, friends and especially Mater Dei alums, I mourn... and then rise to give a standing ovation to my irrepressible student of long and long ago.

Frank Cerra

February 3, 2020

Bob was in the spotlight for Camelot and the King and I in high school. I was content to be the operator of the spotlight for the rehearsals and the performances, so I got to see him and hear him sing a lot.

Gordon Shaffer

February 2, 2020

You will be missed Robert, but the craft of your art and the legacy of your humanity will endure. We will remember you with a smile. Sascha's life is forever lifted for having known you. Let us all strive to honor your memory and the goodness that you leave behind.

Victor Wadsworth

February 1, 2020

We could have used more seasons of "Franks Place" and Robert as Bubba, an awesome role. I sent Robert a request years back for an autograph and Robert sent me the coolest "Franks Place" ball cap, which I still prize today. I know what it means to miss New Orleans and sure I will miss Robert.

Kathleen Weckenman

January 31, 2020

You'll always be my favorite King Arthur, Bob. Now that you're with the angels, you're truly free to Run, Boy, Run! With love and gratitude for having known you. XO

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