Paul C. Harper, Jr., 92, of Essex and Lyme, died Dec. 7 of complications from pneumonia. Mr. Harper was born Dec. 16, 1920 in Coblenz, Germany to the late Paul C. Harper and Anne-Lindsay White while they were stationed there with The American Occupation forces. Upon completion of his service, his father moved the family to Evanston, Illinois, where Mr. Harper was raised.

He graduated from Yale University with the class of 1942 and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He served as an artillery captain in Saipan and Iwo Jima and was awarded the Bronze Star and later promoted to major.

Over the course of his life, Mr. Harper developed a passion for the arts. While serving as Chairman of Needham Harper Worldwide advertising agency, he also served on the board of The Vermont Studio, The Museum of Modern Art, The Brooklyn Museum, The New School, and later as chairman of Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts. He and his wife Eleanor established fellowships at both the Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts and The Vermont Studio to encourage aspiring artists.

Upon retiring to Lyme, he pursued his lifelong passion of painting. His landscapes reflected his deep love of nature. He was an avid hiker and canoeist, and often disappeared into the woods for hours at a time with his easel and paints.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years Eleanor Emery Harper; six children, Diana, Jessica, William, Lindsay, Charles and Sam; 14 grandchildren; and four great- grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held Monday, Dec. 16 at 2 p.m. at the First Congregational Church of Old Lyme, 2 Ferry Road, Old Lyme. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Mr. Harper’s name may be made to The Vermont Studio, P.O. Box 613, Johnson, VT 05656. The Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home, Centerbrook, is in charge of arrangements. To share a memory of Mr. Harper or send a condolence to his family visit www.rwwfh.com.