Anthony (Tony) R. Harp

Anthony (Tony) R. Harp Spartanburg, SC - Lt. Col Anthony R. Harp, 87, a long-time resident of Berlin, NH fell asleep in Christ on June 6, 2018 in Spartanburg, SC.  He was born June 7, 1930 in Berlin, NH.  He is the son of Richard A. Harp (deceased 1968), and Jennie Habib Harp (deceased 1982).  He was a lifelong bachelor. Anthony graduated from St. Patrick Elementary School (1945) and Berlin High School (1949).  From the University of New Hampshire, he received a BA in Biology/Chemistry (1953) and a MS in Microbiology/Biochemistry (1953).  He entered the US Army as Private E-1 in 1953 and volunteered for Okinawa.  He was separated in 1955.  While on Okinawa he was recommended for a commission, but the paper work did not catch up with him until 1958 at which time he became a 2nd Lt. in the Medical Service Corps of the US Army.  Anthony was very active in the reserve and received an Honorable Discharge in 1984 as a Lt. Col.  During his career he was awarded many citations including: The Meritorious Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal and was highly recommended for service in DIA (Defense Intelligence Agency).  Following the service, Anthony had a long and interesting career as a Microbiologist/Lab Med Tech including a tour in Iran for the National Institute of Health (NIH), and 2 tours in Saudi Arabia for the World Health Organization of the United Nations where he traveled widely and indulged his love of history and languages. Anthony was a passionate and active volunteer in community affairs including SCORE, RSVP, Senior Olympics, and the Special Olympics which he coached. Anthony also served as a reserve police officer, fireman, and EMT.  He served many years on the board of NCIC (Northern Community Investment Corp). He was a Knight of Columbus 3rd Degree and was a member of Secular Order of Franciscans and NAM (National Apostolates of Maronites).  A life member of DAV (Disabled American Veterans) and NAUS (National Association of Uniformed Services) and a charter member of American Academy of Microbiology.  Those who had the good fortune to be part of Anthony’s life know he had a great love of the outdoors and a passion for hiking, mountaineering, and cycling, crossing the Alps on his bike.  Anthony also was written up in the Associated Press for being a pioneer cyclist in Saudi Arabia, an oddity in that part of the country at the time.  He hiked the summit of Mt. Washington of the Presidential Range many times, also serving as a guide for the mountain.  He also worked for the famed Cog Railroad of Mt. Washington and manned the weather station at the summit.  He had a tremendous amount of pride in his Lebanese heritage and knowledge of Arabic. Anthony was active in politics, and ran for the 2nd Congressional District of New Hampshire, narrowly missing election to the United States Congress by a few hundred votes.  Most recently, Anthony was a member of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Spartanburg, SC and prior to that a lifelong member of St. Kieran Catholic Church and St. Anne Church of the Good Shephard Parish in Berlin, New Hampshire.   Anthony is preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Jennie Harp, and his brother Emile F. Harp and Sisters Julia Harp, Helen Harp and Elizabeth Harp Moreau.  He is survived by his sister-in-law, Nancy Harp. 4 nieces Amy Harp, Diane Harp Rayfield, Susan Harp, and Lisa Harp Zinck, and their spouses, and 1 nephew, Richard Harp and his spouse, 9 great-nephews, 4 great-nieces and 1 great-great niece to whom he is their much beloved UT (for Uncle Tony) and a beloved Great Uncle to their children. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Saturday, June 9 at 10:00 AM at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in the Historic Chapel, conducted by the Reverend David R. Whitman with a visitation beginning at 9:00 AM at the Historic Chapel.  Burial will be held in St. Kieran Cemetery in Berlin, New Hampshire.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to CNEWA (Catholic Near East Welfare Association), (CNEWA.org) 1011 1st Ave. New York, NY  10022 or Mobile Meals, (Mobile-Meals.org) PO Box 461 Spartanburg, SC  29304.