Clifford L. Harpst
Clifford L. Harpst, 95, of Ashtabula, passed away January 10, 2022 at Ashtabula County Medical Center.
A funeral service with full military honors was held on January 16, 2022 in Geneva, Ohio.
He was born March 1, 1926 in Albion, PA, the son of the late Jesse C. and Frances L. (Harrington) Harpst. In 1943, he graduated from Albion High School and then served honorably in the US Army during World War II as a Radio Operator. After his military service, he married Rozella Ulan, and together they shared a lifetime of love and memories until her passing in 2007.
After Rozella passed away, Cliff moved to Greer, S.C. so he good be close to his best friend Richard Mulder. Cliff quickly started making himself acquainted with Greer by visiting the downtown restaurants and businesses, where he soon became well known and loved by the local residents. He made such an impression, they called him the ‘Honorary Mayor’ of Greer. He enjoyed 10 years in Greer and when he moved back home to be under the care of his sons, the Greer Chamber of Commerce proclaimed the week of Nov 21-25th 2016 as ‘Cliff Harpst Thanksgiving week’ in the City of Greer.
Clifford was a hard-working person and had careers in both retail and sales. His favorite job was the 11 years he spent working in sales for S&H Green Stamps. In his spare time, he was an active member of Saybrook United Methodist Church as a member of the choir and a Lay minister. He was a long-time Mason with the Relief Lodge in Pierpont, Ohio, a member of both the Valley of Erie Scottish Rite and Zem Zem Shriners of Erie, PA. He was also Past President of the Albion Lions Club, served on the Albion Fair board, and volunteered with CONTACT suicide help line. He loved to interact with people, especially drinking coffee at a local coffeeshop, telling stories or just talking to people he met while traveling.
He is survived by his children, Lynda (Brad) Terry, Coletta Bernauer, Jon (Dolly) Harpst, and Bill (Debbie) Harpst; grandchildren, Kira Lugo, Nathan Veshecco, and Jeremy (Amanda) Bernauer; six great-grandchildren; and brother, Don (Linda) Harpst.
Preceding him in death were his wife, Rozella (Ulan) Harpst; parents, Jesse C. and Frances L. (Harrington) Harpst; sister, Dorothy Swedrock; and brother, Warren Harpst.
A celebration of life ceremony for his South Carolina friends will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 2, 2022 at the Greer City Park Amphitheater.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in memory of Clifford Harpst to Disabled American Veterans D.A.V Chapter 39, 8 Danbury Drive, Greenville SC 29615 or Greer Community Ministries, 738 S Line St Ext., Greer, SC 29651.
Lake Erie Cremation & Funeral Services
440-361-2273
