Obituary of Harry B. Soper

Harry B. (Doug) Soper passed away December 22, 2016, of complications from a bout with pneumonia. He had celebrated his 92nd birthday just weeks before with his friends and family at The Saybrook at Haddam. He managed to live 363 days without the love of his life, his wife Pat, who predeceased him in December of 2015 after 67 years together.Born in NY, the son of Dudley and Carol (Chubb) Soper, he met and married Pat in New York. He served in the US Navy during World War II and was part of the fleet that landed troops in Normandy on D Day. After starting their family, they made a big move to Old Saybrook CT in 1957 to be near Harry's love of the water and his lifetime career building boats for the Essex Boat Co. in Essex CT. Harry and Pat remained in Old Saybrook, in the home they built overlooking Long Island Sound, for over 40 years, raising their children and enjoying life on the water. In 2000, after spending many winters camping in the Florida Keys, they decided to leave Old Saybrook and move to another waterfront home in Big Pine in the Florida Keys. There Harry continued to enjoy Patsy's cooking, and spent his days making amazing things from wood, riding his bicycle, playing cards, and being a great neighbor and friend. Living so far from family as they grew older, they made the decision to move back to New England, spending several years in the Middleboro MA area and then moving back to CT and enjoying life at Saybrook at Haddam. Harry leaves behind his son Doug Soper and his wife Ann of Old Lyme CT and St. John, VI; and daughter Carol Vlaco and her husband Kevin of Middleboro MA. He was predeceased by his beloved wife and their daughter Chris Soper Gorden and her son, Neal Soper Gorden. He also leaves behind two sisters, Caroline (Mikey) Neville and Jane Hackett, the remaining members of the seven Soper brothers and sisters. He also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren, Ryan Vlaco and his wife Jillian of Middleboro MA; Duane Vlaco and Jennianne O'Connor of West Wareham MA; Nicole Soper Gorden and her husband Eric Morrison of NC; Corey Soper of St. John VI; Molly Soper Forbes and her husband Robert of Essex CT; Nell Soper Green and her husband Andrew of Newport RI; Lindsey (Soper) Yerger and her husband Steven of Newport RI, and Allison Johnson of Supply, NC. Harry also leaves behind five dear great grandchildren that he was blessed to have known and loved, as well as many nieces and nephews and grandnieces and grandnephews. A memorial service will be held at the Deep River Congregational Church on Wednesday, December 28th at 11AM. Military Honors will be held at the church immediately following. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, we know Harry would appreciate your contribution to any group that is dedicated to preserving our oceans and sea life. He would also remind you to "Sail with the tide and work with the grain". To share a memory of Harry, or send a condolence to the family, please visit www.rwwfh.com. Arrangements by Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home, Centerbrook.