Paul F. Harper Ph.D.

YORK Paul F. Harper, 82, died at home surrounded by his loved ones on Sunday, November 27, 2011. He was the beloved partner of Cory Griggs for eight years. Paul was born in Ingram, Pa., on October 26, 1929, son of the late Charles and Elsie (Petrie) Harper. He graduated from Beaver High School and served four years in the Air Force during the Korean War. Paul met his wife, Inge Holzwarth, in Germany. Paul was elected to the Phi Beta Kappa Society and obtained his BA from the University of Pittsburgh summa cum laude. He was in Asia on fellowships researching Chinese labor unions and received his PhD in Political Science at Cornell University. Dr. Harper taught comparative politics for 31 years at Hofstra University. During his tenure, he was chairman of the Political Science department, the John F. Kennedy Presidential Conference and the Phi Beta Kappa election committee. He retired as Professor Emeritus in Political Science. Paul spent the past 10 years in Lancaster and York counties growing the best tomatoes, traveling, and researching genealogy. He served on Democratic Party county and state committees. In addition to his partner, Paul is survived by a brother, Harold and his wife, Cathy; a sister, Charlene; two nieces, Becky and Cyndi; four nephews, Denny, Jay, Eric, and Chris; and numerous grand-nieces and grand-nephews. Paul was preceded in death by his wife of 45 years, Inge; his brothers, Charles and Jay; and a nephew, Freddie. A memorial will be held Saturday from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Unitarian Church Carriage House, 925 S. George St., York. Contributions in memory of Paul may be made to York County Food Bank, 254 W. Princess St., York, PA 17401.