Robert James Harper died on Wednesday, October 14, 2026 at Buffalo General Hospital after a short illness, surrounded by his family. Born in Dunkirk on December 8, 1952, he was 73. Robert was the son of Richard Wallace and Jean Catherine Jagoda Harper.
Robert served his country in Germany during the Vietnam conflict, supplying the troops on the front line. He maintained his connection to those with which he served through his lifelong membership to American Legion Post 62 in Dunkirk. Upon coming home from overseas, he joined the custodial team at SUNY Fredonia; a proud member of the local CSEA chapter, where he was known until his retirement in 2010, for his kindness, work ethic and team spirit. An enthusiastic supporter of his family's, as well as his favorite professional team's feats, he proudly touted the accomplishments of his great nieces and nephews, locally, as well as those of his Buffalo Bills, and of course, of his New York Yankees.
Robert is remembered by his family and friends, as a quiet, gentle man -- loved by all who knew him, especially his sisters.
He is survived by his sisters, Barbara Jean (Mark) Czekanski, and Linda Kay Hayes (late Allan); nephews, Lucas (Jamie) and Joshua (Megan) Czekanski; great-nephews, Tyler (Cheyanne), Connor and Aiden Czekanski, and Cody McCourt; great-nieces, Kathryn (fiance, Andrew), Abigail, Isabella and Natalia Czekanski, Rayne (fiance Mason) Taylor, Audrey McCourt and Brittany (children Ana and Marshall) Brown; aunts, uncles and cousins from both the Jagoda and Harper families; Mary Hayes; and three special friends, Keely, Kristen and Carlene.
Robert will be missed by all. That is for sure.
At his request, funeral services will be held privately.
Friends and family may make donations to the charity of each's choice, in his memory.
All arrangements have been lovingly made by the Fantauzzi Funeral Home, 82 East Main Street in Fredonia.
Obituary from the Observer
