Harper

William (Bill) E. Harper, 81, of Fombell, Pa., passed away Friday, Dec. 19, 2025.

Born April 24, 1944, in Ellwood City, Bill was the son of Harvey and Bernice (Lusk) Harper, both deceased.

He was a 1962 graduate of Zelienople High School. After graduating, Bill worked at Harper’s Service Station with his father until he bought his own business in 1972.

Most notably, Bill owned and operated Harper’s Outdoor Power Equipment (OPE) with his wife Jean, located at 154 S. Main Street in Zelienople for 50 years. This long-standing business was in the same building his great-grandfather built in 1929. Bill’s great-grandfather, grandfather and father all ran a service station and car dealership at this location, prior to Bill opening Harper’s OPE.

Bill was an active member in the Zelienople community, most especially in the Zelienople-Harmony Merchant’s Division. He also served as a member and president for the Zelienople Chamber of Commerce, which is now known as the Zelienople Area Business Association. Additionally, he participated in Horse-Trading Days from its inception and was a member and president of the Connoquenessing Valley Community Chest, with contributions serving local organizations in the community.

He enjoyed spending time gardening at his farm, eating meals with friends, hunting, fishing and working on his tractors. He was also an avid Pittsburgh Penguins fan.

Bill was the beloved husband of Jean (Johnston) Harper, with whom he shared 61 years of marriage; father of William (Coop) Harper (Debra); brother-in-law to William Johnston (Kim) and Marsha Huttinger (Larry); uncle of EJ Huttinger (Katie) and Danielle Huttinger (Jason), and friend to many. He will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered.

HARPER — A visitation for William (Bill) E. Harper, who died Friday, Dec. 19, 2025, will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 27, at BOYLAN FUNERAL HOME, 324 Grandview Ave., Zelienople.

The funeral service will also be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 28, from the funeral home.

He will be laid to rest in the Zelienople Community Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Shriners Children’s Erie hospital, 1645 W. 8th Street, Erie, PA 16505.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.boylanfuneralservices.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.