UXBRIDGE, MA – Joseph L. Harper, 69, a six-year resident of Uxbridge (and previous forty-year resident of Franklin), died Wednesday, February 8, 2006 at Umass Memorial Hospital in Worcester. Harper succumbed to critical injuries received when he and his wife of 46 years, Eleanor M. Harper, 65, were involved in a critical automobile accident near their Uxbridge home on Tuesday. The couple’s four sons had maintained a vigil at their parent’s bedsides after both were rushed to the hospital by life flight and ambulance following the accident. With the assistance of medical staff, Mrs. Harper was reunited with her sons at her husband’s beside when life support was terminated following the brain death of her husband.

Harper was the son of the late Lindsey Harper of Holliston, MA and the late Jessie Cornish of Ashland, MA.

In addition to his Wife, Eleanor, his fours sons survive him: Scott Harper, and wife Gina, of Chepachet, RI. Mark Harper, of N. Smithfield, RI. Steven Harper, of Taunton, MA. and Gary Harper, and wife Keri-Lynne, of Millville, MA

Also survived are brothers Charles Harper and Jerry Harper, both of NH. Robert Harper of Milford, MA and FL. William Harper of Holliston, MA. Philip Harper of Northbridge, MA. Joseph is also the brother of the late Daniel Harper of Bellingham, MA. Additionally, Harper is survived by stepmother Barbara Harper-Nickerson of Bellingham, MA, along with five granddaughters and many loving nieces and nephews.

For the past 36 years he worked for Senior Aerospace – Metal Bellows, Sharon, MA as a Prototype Machinist. He was planning to retire in April of this year.

An avid sportsman, hunter, and fisherman, Harper was a lifelong member of the Franklin Rod and Gun Club in Franklin, MA.

A longtime member of the Emmanuel Baptist Church of Norfolk, MA and a regular attendee of the Church of the Nazarene since moving to Uxbridge six years ago, Joseph Harper will be remembered by many for his good nature, incredible sense of humor, strong religious faith, and for his loving devotion to his wife, sons, and grand daughters.

Eleanor Harper was discharged from Umass Memorial on Thursday into the care of her children.

Visitation hours will be held on Tuesday February 14, 2006 from 4 to 8 pm at the Chesmore Funeral Home, 854 Washington St. (Rt. 16) Holliston. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday at 11:00 am in the Church of the Nazarene, 130 Douglas St. (Rt. 16) Uxbridge, MA. Burial will follow at Lake Grove Cemetery in Holliston.