John "Jack" Roper

John “Jack” Roper, 86, of Hancock NH, passed away after a period of declining health, on May 17, 2018 at Monadnock Community Hospital in Peterborough. He was born in Richmond Hill, NY on October 5, 1931, the son of John Roper and Bertha (Harper) Roper.

Jack was raised in Port Washington, NY and graduated from Port Washington High School in 1949. He attended Webb Institute of Naval Architecture and graduated in 1953. Jack then completed Officer Candidate School and served in the U.S. Navy for four years.

Upon leaving the Navy, Jack and his family moved to Stony Brook, NY. He was employed at Grumman Engineering for several years before starting his own companies, Atlantic Hydrofoils and John K. Roper Associates. Jack designed, built and tested many ships for the U.S. Navy. He also designed ferry boats for the Massachusetts Steamship Authority and for Fire Island in New York.

After the Roper family moved to Hancock in 1972, Jack became very involved in town affairs. He served as a Selectman for many years and as a volunteer with the Hancock Fire Department for 17 years. Jack was also a member of the Building Committee for the Hancock Post Office, Hancock Library addition, and the new Hancock Firehouse.

Jack loved taking his daily walks and sailing. There was always a boat being built in the basement.

In addition to his loving wife of 64 years, Susan (Wurtz) Roper of Hancock, he is survived by his daughters, Peggy (Roper) O’Connell of New Orleans, LA, and Cathy Roper and her partner Ben Bell of Hancock. He will also be missed by his grandson Sam Smith of Concrete, WA.

Burial will take place at Hillside Cemetery on Sunday, July 29, 2018 at 3:30pm.  Immediately after the burial all are invited to share some refreshments at the Vestry.

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