Gerald "Jerry" Harper

Gerald Harper, age 78, of Lake Orion, MI, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at BridgingLife's Hospice Dove House in Westminster, MD. Born December 5, 1946 in Baltimore, MD, he was the son of the late William "Donald" and Christine (Nawrocki) Harper. Jerry was born and spent his childhood in Dundalk, Maryland. Spurred on by his dad, he was very interested in sports and enjoyed playing baseball and football. While in high school he played football in the YMCA League for Dundalk. The highlight of each year was playing in the Steel Bowl which pitted cross town rivals Dundalk and Sparrows Point in hard fought games. It was a family tradition to watch and cheer on Jerry as he played in the game on Thanksgiving morning before the family dinner. During his high school years he also was an avid weight lifter. Jerry was a Calvert Hall College High School graduate and continued to attend alumni events throughout his life. He attended Clemson University before being drafted into the US Army. While in Army boot camp he applied and was selected to attend Officer Candidate School (OCS). After completing OCS he was commissioned as an artillery officer. He was deployed to South Korea in 1967 and volunteered for deployment to South Vietnam and served there in 1970-71. He completed his active military service in 1973 but continued to serve in the National Guard in Michigan. He was proud serving the country for a total of 22 years of service. In 1973 after his discharge from military active duty, Jerry worked in management positions for Strohs Brewery. Jerry completed his college studies during this time and earned a BS degree in Business Management from University of Detroit Mercy. After the Strohs merger with Schlitz, he joined Akzo Nobel in 1988. He worked for them in various management positions until his retirement. Jerry especially enjoyed the international travel aspects of his time with Akzo Nobel where he was able to learn the culture and history of a large number of countries. He subsequently did short term consulting assignments for Akzo Nobel, both domestically and internationally. One of Jerry's favorite travel activities earlier in life were trips from Michigan to Ocean City Maryland with his daughter Michelle and his grandchildren. Jerry continued his joy of traveling in retirement. His favorite place to visit was Waikiki Beach where he would spend the month of January each year. It was a 10 year tradition for him and he developed lasting friendships with fellow veterans at the Hale Koa Resort. The Hale Koa had some additional memories for him since it was built on the site of Fort Derussy where he processed through during his R&R during his Vietnam deployment. In retirement Jerry also enjoyed golfing and attending sports events and concerts. He would travel with the Antler group to a different MLB baseball stadium each year. He and his brother Bill would travel to various college football bowl games as well as attend Orioles, Ravens and University of Maryland basketball and football games. He also participated with a Vietnam Veterans group which would meet annually at different venues throughout the country. His survivors include his daughter, Michelle Harper; brother, William Harper, Jr.; brother-in-law, Richard Forsner; and grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Logan, and Nicholas Harper. He was predeceased by daughter, Cheri Harper Lynde; sister, Donna Forsner; and sister-in-law, Peggy Harper. Due notice for a date and time in a few months for a Celebration of Life Service in Baltimore and Michigan and Graveside Service for family and friends at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA. Please refer back to this website for updated information In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Gary Sinise Foundation as a remembrance. Online condolences may be offered at www.haightfuneralhome.com