CUMBERLAND – Gary Dwight Harper, 82, of Cumberland, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at home surrounded by his loving family.

Born October 18, 1943, in Cumberland, he was a son of the late Myrle Lonnie Harper and Dolly Marie (Dolan) Harper. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Gary James Harper on November 10, 2012; brothers, Ron Harper and Richard "Dick" Harper; and sister, Joyce Harper.

Gary was a 1961 graduate of Allegany High School, and he very much enjoyed going to monthly class reunion luncheons. For 33 years, he worked at the Kelly Springfield Tire Company as a tire builder and in the test lab. He served his country in the United States Army 82nd Airborne 1961-1964 at Fort Bragg, NC. He was also the former owner of Garlitz Meats on Grand Ave, Cumberland.

Gary loved watching sports, especially football and basketball.

Most of all, Gary loved his family and spending time with his children and grandchildren. He often imparted his life experiences on his family members by giving them advice. He was a kind and giving person who was loved by everyone he met.

Dad loved fiercely, and he loved his stepdaughters like he loved his own children. We were never "step" to him! He had the most compassionate, giving heart for his family and anyone who needed help. He loved and adored his grandchildren and supported them in all of their activities. He especially loved our mom and adored her until the very end.

Left behind to cherish his memory is his beloved wife, Mona Harper; daughters, Deborah (Harper) Fiorita and husband, Donald, Pam Harper, Samantha Yacenech and husband, Michael, Crystal Teets and husband, Daniel; grandchildren, Brandon, Jason, and Justin Opel, Cody Yacenech and wife, Emma, Addison Hamilton, and Destiney Harper; great-grandchildren, Kyra, Addie, and Oakley Opel, and Miles Yacenech; special niece, Tina Isaacs; special brother-in-law, Donald Davis; best friend, Bobby Joe Buzzard; and his dog, Precious.

The family would like to give a thank you to Gary's very special caregiver, Sabrina Helms, the Veterans' In home healthcare, and the hospice unit at UPMC.

In accordance with his wishes, Gary will be cremated, and there will be no visitation or funeral services.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to MeowMissionCoalition.org or mailed to Meow Mission Coalition, c/o Samantha Yacenech, 162 Serenity Estates, Grantsville, MD 21536.