Harry Calvin Harpst, 93, of Donation Road, Hempfield Township, passed away on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2020 in Sharon Regional TCU from congestive heart failure.
Born in Greenville on August 3, 1927 to Homer and Mamie (Mecklem) Harpst, Harry attended Fredonia schools, graduating in 1945 from Fredonia-Delaware High School. During his childhood, he worked various jobs, such as delivering groceries to help provide income for his family during the Great Depression. After losing his father in an industrial accident, Harry worked for the local undertaker. He later worked at Fredonia Garage, washing and waxing cars, and eventually got talked into working out in the shop.
Following graduation, he began working as a mechanic at Perschka Garage, north of Mercer.
In 1946, he went to work as a mechanic at South Side Garage, also known as Bell Motors, a dealer of International trucks and Packard Motor Cars in Sharon, PA.
From 1947 to 1952, he and his brother, Les, operated Harpst's Sterling Service, a Quaker State branded gas station, in downtown Fredonia.
From 1953 to 1955, Harry served, stateside, in the US Army. After completing basic training at Camp Atterbury, IN, he and the rest of the 31st Infantry Division departed for Camp Carson, CO, where he advanced to motor pool shop foreman and rose to the rank of Sergeant.
Following honorable discharge, he returned to work at Bell Motors, where he purchased a brand-new 1956 Packard Executive coupe that would turn out to be the favorite of all the vehicles he ever owned.
Near the end of 1956, he went to work at Kimes Motors, along Rte. 19 just outside Fredonia, as mechanic and shop foreman, beginning a decades-long relationship with the owner, Bruce W. Kimes.
In 1956, he met and began dating Helen M. Tomasovic. He would often pick her up after work in that big Packard to go to the movies, as her friends stood by, admiring his fancy car. They were married on July 12, 1958, and went on to build a new home in Hempfield Township.
When Kimes Chevrolet-Buick opened in Grove City in 1967, Harry was the Service Manager. He moved into Kimes new, heavy-duty truck facility in 1976, and continued in that capacity after Day Chevrolet acquired the dealership in 1992. He was a member of Chevrolet's Only the Best club for Service Managers for over 25 years and received many awards for his performance, including several vacations - both stateside and abroad. Harry enjoyed taking care of his customers, but was happiest when he was able to step out from behind the desk to run Kimes big wrecker. While it was shared with the car shop and body shop, Harry was the only one allowed to haul big heavy-duty-trucks and buses.
Even after retirement, Harry wouldn't pass up a day's work, continuing as a driver for dealer trades in and out of the Greenville area, until 2007.
A devoted husband and father, he enjoyed hunting, gardening, landscaping, working on vehicles and lawn equipment, and maintaining the house with the help of his wife, Helen. Harry was greatly saddened by her passing on January 10, 2016.
In addition to his wife, Harry was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, H. Leslie Harpst.
He is survived by a son, Brian Harpst of Greenville, his daughter, Laura (John) DeLullo of Poland, OH, and grandchildren, Lindsay and Nicholas DeLullo.
Per the deceased and family's wishes, there will be no services. Arrangements have been entrusted to Loutzenhiser-Jordan Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 366-368 S. Main St., Greenville.
Dear Brian, Our condolences on the passing of your father. It seems like he had a rich and fulfilling life. Love ya, Ray and Darlene Peterson
Brian, I am so sorry to hear about your father’s death. I have so many fond memories of the time that we spent at Kimes Chevrolet
Sorry for your loss Laura and Brian. When I lost my parents, the only thing that sustained me through the years is this saying: “The time of your death is more important to God than the time you were born”. I’m sure Harry will be missed.
Sorry to read of your father’s passing. We are glad we got to visit with Harry and Brian a couple times in the last year while eating out.
Remembering the old times….. Harry and Dad sure were long , long time good buddies. Now they can be together and go over the old days!!
Take care and know that we are thinking of you all and you are in our prayers at this difficult time.
Joe and Mona (Kimes) Leone
Brian, I am deeply saddened at the passing of your father, he was a great man. He was always there for his family and friends and will be deeply missed. I had the good fortune of getting to know him through our friendship and will always remember the times we sat around the garage “talking shop”. The take solace in the fact that through out his life he helped and touched many a soul and his passing is felt deeply by them. My condolences go out to you and your family.
Condolences from a Mecklem cousin in Oregon. (I came across this obituary while searching the Mecklem surname…I am a descendant of an uncle of Harry’s grandfather William “Billy” Mecklem) I already had some information about the Harpsts in my family history file. I was interested to read about Harry’s long and productive life. All best wishes to the family at this sad time. Todd Mecklem
Brian was so sorry to hear about the passing of your father. I remember all the good times we had talking in the garage at your house and I still remember riding in the big wrecker with him one day.
I am sorry to just be hearing about Harry’s passing. I always liked him. Good sense of humor and like John and Tom stated, many good memories of discussing cars out in the garage at the house. I remember many a time hearing his tips for detailing a car, and his answering my frequent questions, usually about how and where to locate a squeak or rattle. His obituary is beautifully written. Sincere sympathy to all the family.