Allen Dana Harper

We are sad to announce the passing of Allen Dana Harper of Mt. Lebanon, PA. He died at the age of 88 on October 9, 2022.

Allen was born on August 13, 1934, in Alexandria, MN to Flora Mae and George Harper. He graduated from The University of Illinois Laboratory High school in Champaign, IL and enjoyed lifelong bonds with his classmates from Uni High. He went on to study engineering at the University of Illinois, where he earned both a BS and a MS in mechanical engineering. He specialized in aeronautical and astronautical propulsion, working at JPL/Caltech, Dynamic Science, Garrett AiResearch and AlliedSignal. Allen was introduced to his wife Marie (Ruud) Harper at the Seattle World’s Fair in 1962 and they married on August 29, 1964. They had two daughters, Karen and Lynn. Allen’s wife Marie passed away March 12, 2016. He missed her dearly. He is survived by his daughters Karen Harper and Lynn Harper, grandchildren Beck and Emilia Neuer, sister Mariann (Polly) Mayes, niece Cathy Morris and nephew John Mayes.

Allen was a gifted singer and lifelong classical music lover who faithfully sang tenor in the church choir. He also sang with the Bach and Madrigal Society in Phoenix and the Mendelssohn Choir in Pittsburgh. In addition, he appeared in several Gilbert and Sullivan productions at various times in his life, both in Phoenix and Pittsburgh. During his retirement he became an ardent bridge player, an activity that he was able to continue throughout the pandemic and he even played (well!) in the days before his death. As a retiree Allen also volunteered his time to others, serving on the board of the Prescott Community Food Bank and the church board, stocking shelves at the food pantry and helping prepare taxes for seniors in Pittsburgh. He was a member of several church communities throughout his life, including Emmanuel Lutheran in North Hollywood, Shepard of the Valley and Christ Lutheran in Phoenix, American Lutheran in Prescott and most recently he sang with the St. Paul’s Episcopal choir in Mt. Lebanon.

A service will be held at WILLIAM SLATER II FUNERAL SERVICE (412-563-2800) 1650 Greentree Rd., Scott Township 15220, on Saturday, October 22, 2022, at 1pm. Friends and family are invited to attend in person or virtually (rsvp appreciated). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to WQED (http://donate.wqed.org/wqed/tribute) or The South Hills Interfaith Movement (https://shimcares.org/give/).

www.SlaterFuneral.com

The service on October 22, 2022 will be live-streamed via Zoom, starting 1pm. To join, click here.

Meeting ID: 959 043 2809
Passcode: Slater