Harry R. Pape

Early on Dec. 28th, rather unexpectedly, a very loving, energetic, and larger-than-life personality left this world. And for those of us who knew and loved him, he will live forever in our hearts. Harry is survived by his wife of 36 years, Janet Valente Pape, sons Harry Jr. (Amanda) and Doug (Mel), grandkids extraordinaire, Lucas and Carmen, their mom Karen Chapman and husband Tom Robinson, his sister-in-law Paula Valente, and his extended family of Italian cousins and many treasured friends both near and far. His “honorary” Italian daughter, Dr. Jessica Balerna, and her beloved family, mourn him from afar. Harry was born in Darby, PA, to Harry Emil Pape and Catherine Connolly Pape. An only child with few relatives, Harry regaled friends with stories of a happy childhood, sneaking coffee on the basement steps with his “mom mom”, enjoying multiple adventures with his posse of friends notoriously called “the gang”, and best of all, independent trips as a teen into the big city of Philadelphia, where he loved encountering “Billy Penn”. Harry treasured his years at the University of Dayton, where his education with the Marianists grounded him for life with deep and abiding values and a broad life perspective. He graduated with a B.S. in Accounting. After graduation in 1964, Harry served in the U.S. Army in the office of the Adjutant General in Germany during the Vietnam War. Harry was proud of his military service and this time in his life opened him to new world vistas, his heritage, and rich memories of two beloved German aunts who taught him all about the culture, and especially German cooking. Harry retired as a Captain after three years of service, to pursue a corporate career. In 1968, Harry began his extensive corporate career with NCR Corporation, holding leadership positions in Human Resource Management and Labor Negotiation in Ohio and Georgia, where he opened the first worldwide distribution and parts center and finally, in Wichita. During these years, Harry served on several labor negotiation committees, including responsibilities as chief negotiator dealing with national and international labor unions. His academic skillset, winning personality, and the genuine investment he made in his employees earned him an enviable reputation for not only a successful, results-oriented leader, but a highly respected and loved boss. These abilities continued to serve him well as he began his next corporate venture in the banking industry – first as a vice president at Bank IV responsible for the credit card center operation, and then on to Southwest National Bank to start their credit card department. Along the way, there was a short foray into an entrepreneurial business venture. Harry loved his years at Newman University as Director of Campus Operations, where he managed and led the construction of the new library. Immediately prior to retirement, he served as Operations Manager for Midwest Single Source. Harry leaves a legacy of extensive and varied community service to include service on the board of the Boy Scouts, White Buffalo District, where he was recognized with the Silver Beaver award. He served on many arts-related boards, to include the Wichita Art Museum, Newman Fine Arts, and Sedgwick County Arts Council. He was also on the board of Crime Stoppers. He enjoyed volunteering at the Tallgrass Film Festival and being a Wagonmaster. Lastly, Harry (aka Chef H) will be remembered for brilliantly reinventing himself during his retirement years, fully utilizing his shared love of travel with wife Janet, his knowledge of international food and wine, and a personality that loved entertaining and offering hospitality…traits that marked his life. Harry authored a cookbook, Simple Cooking, became a popular cooking instructor in the Mark Arts culinary program, and had a cooking segment on TV with a local celebrity. Over the years, Harry, in collaboration with other local personalities, assisted with many nonprofit fundraising efforts, auctioning off food and wine pairings in people’s homes. Harry was, in so many ways, “a Renaissance Man” … his love of travel, food and wine, the arts and culture, surely qualify him for that title (at least in his wife’s eyes). He will be remembered for his goodness, generosity, true investment in his family and friends, and those he encountered – both young and old—who saw him as a mentor. His was a life well-lived with a heart full of love... and in the end, that is what matters. Vigil Services will be held at 5 p.m. Friday, March 17, at Holy Savior Catholic Church, followed by a reception at Mark Arts. Mass and burial will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 18, at St. Francis of Assisi. Memorial is with Mark Arts Center, Culinary Youth Scholarship Fund, 1307 North Rock Road, Wichita, Kansas 67206. Services in care of Downing & Lahey West Mortuary.