Paul Harper III

Paul Harper III April 21, 1954 - August 23, 2020 Paul Harper III, 66 years old, went to be with the Lord on August 23, 2020. Paul was the eldest son of the late Bishop Paul Harper, Jr. and Mildred Hilda Ritter-Harper. He is survived by his devoted brothers Anthony Mark (Vashtye), Jerome (Linda), Keith (Yolanda) and Michael (Ruby) Harper. Paul was predeceased by his beloved sister Brenda Lee Harper-Potts and his dear brother Elyone Harper. He also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, along with his former wife, Karen, with whom he maintained a strong and loving relationship until the end. Paul proudly worked in the field of Human Services for more than forty years. His work history included serving as a Youth Services Officer for the State of CT, as well as a Program Director and Supervisor for several area Social Service Agencies. Paul went above and beyond in showing his clients the dignity and respect they deserved. He was known for his rapport with troubled youth, mentoring and encouraging them, as well as being a fierce advocate for the homeless. Former clients often approached Paul on the streets sharing their success stories with him and gratefully attributing their ability to overcome adversity to Paul’s assistance. Paul loved his family deeply. He was brought up in a profoundly religious home with a father who was a Bishop of the Baptist faith and a mother and father who staunchly and lovingly taught their children to love and serve the Lord. Paul and his siblings sang and were active in the Church their father founded, Uprising Free Will Baptist Church. After his father’s death, as the eldest son, Paul took on the role of protector and defender of his family. Paul and his brothers continued to dote on their loving mother, who they adore, gathering together in the home they all grew up in, celebrating and reminiscing on her birthdays and holidays and visiting with her frequently, letting her know how much she is loved and cherished. Paul was an avid sports fan, loyal to both the New York Giants and the New York Knicks. He was well known and loved in the community. Paul was known to be a sharp dresser who loved to dance, attend concerts, shoot pool, and enjoyed spending funtimes with family, friends and interacting with the youth. Words cannot express how much he will be missed by them all.