John W. "Winston" Harpster

1941 - 2022

John W. (Winston) Harpster, 80, of Crystal River, FL passed away peacefully in Tyrone, PA, Friday, April 1, 2022. He was born October 23, 1941, in Warriors Mark, PA, a son of the late Robert L. and Juliet Gray (Ellenberger) Harpster.

During his early years, he spent time learning farm operations on the family farm in Pennsylvania Furnace. Later in his teens, he followed in his father's footsteps learning the car business at his Chevrolet dealership in Warriors Mark, PA. Not long after he moved to Philipsburg to manage an additional location there for his father. After a few years, he purchased that location and became the owner of Chevrolet Harpster, Inc. As additional manufacturers were represented, the business name became Harpster of Philipsburg, Inc.

Winston was a graduate of Tyrone High School class of 1959. He was the first President of the Moshannon Valley YMCA and had the good fortune of hiring William "Keno" Beezer. He also was President Emeritus of the Ancient Gastronomic Order of Rattling Reptiles, member of the former Philipsburg Rotary, life member of the ELKS lodge BPOE 1173, and former member of Crystal River Rotary.

He was a wonderful father who loved spending time with his family. He made many friends through his years in the car business. He liked to travel and saw much of the world. He especially enjoyed his retired years wintering in Crystal River, FL. He enjoyed many sports and outdoor activities including hunting, fishing, boating, and golfing. He was a truly fun and interesting person and will be missed by everyone who had the opportunity to know him.

Winston was proceeded in death by his parents, brother Wesley Harpster, sister Joanne (Harpster) Nearhoof and her husband John Nearhoof, sister Virginia Gray Harpster, and granddaughter Taylor Ann Harpster.

He is survived by his companion and longtime friend Helen Harpster, Tyrone, PA, his brother, R. Wayne Harpster and his wife Marjorie of Spruce Creek, PA, his sister Glenda Lee (Harpster) Shearer of Lock Haven, PA and her companion Jim Maguire, and his sister-in-law Donna Preskitt of Julian, PA. He is also survived by his four children: John Jr. and Bobbi Harpster of Philipsburg, PA, Jody (Harpster) and Michael Czap of York, PA, Robert and Melissa Harpster of Naples, FL, and Douglas Harpster of Philipsburg, PA. And he is also survived by eight grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and former wife Janet D. Harpster of Naples, FL.

There will be no services or visitation. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the Taylor Harpster T-Harp Memorial Scholarship Fund would be greatly appreciated. Contributions by check made payable to Clearfield County Charitable Foundation with T-Harp Scholarship Fund noted on the memo line and sent to CCCF, PO Box 1442, Clearfield, PA 16830. Or online donations may be made at www.clearfieldcharitable foundation.org then click on "Make a Donation to a Scholarship Fund", then scroll down and click the blue button "Donate to Taylor Harpster T-Harp Memorial Scholarship Fund".

Arrangements are under the care of the Bruce E. Cox Funeral Home, www. bruceecoxfh.com.