Daniel S. Harrop III Obituary
Dr. Daniel Smith Harrop III of Portsmouth , R.I., a prominent leader in Rhode Island politics, religious, educational and civic causes, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, September 29th at the age of 68. Born in Warwick, R.I., son of the late Dr. Daniel Smith Jr. and Dorothy J. (Hickey) Harrop, he was raised in West Warwick. Dan was a 1972 graduate of Bishop Hendricken High School and 1979 graduate of the Warren Alpert Medical School at Brown University. After graduation from medical school, Dan remained in Providence administrating at hospitals in Rhode Island and Massachusetts and establishing a successful private practice in psychiatry. He also held faculty positions at Harvard and Brown.
Dan was involved in numerous causes and organizations, serving in leadership roles including Bishop Hendricken High School where he served as president of the Alumni Board, Chairman of the Board of Advisors, Development and Annual Fund Committees; he was inducted into the Bishop Hendricken Hall of Fame. He held similar roles in many other organizations including the Brown University Alumni Association, Sigma Chi Fraternity, Brown Club of Rhode Island, Faculty Club of Brown University, Masons, MENSA, International Order of Odd Fellows, Past President of Sons of the American Revolution, Surgeon for the Society of Colonial Wars, Board Member of the Sons of the Revolution, Past Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus (Fatima Council), Past President of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War, National Society of the Sons and Daughters of the Pilgrims, Trustee of Nathaniel Greene Homestead, The Ocean State Policy Research Institute, Rhode Island Republican Party, Providence Republican City Committee, The Roosevelt Society, St. Thomas Becket Association, McVinney Foundation, Serra Club of Providence and Mother Of Life Center, Trustee of the Catholic Foundation, Knight Commander with Star of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, as well as a long time trustee for St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church Parish.
Dan was a longtime Rhode Island Republican activist who ran unsuccessful bids for mayor and the general assembly in Providence where he lived most of his adult life. The highlight of his public life in politics occurred in 2014 when he was the Republican nominee for Providence Mayor, running against Buddy Cianci and losing to Jorge Elorza, for whom he voted, while gathering 2% of the vote (and proud of it). Dan was delighted about his appearance on the Crimetown podcast where he quipped "Mr Cianci has a half century of recurrent thuggish criminal behavior", the opposite of the values by which Dan lived his life. Dan believed the only way to improve things was to get involved, donating his time, talent and financial resources to many religious, civic, social, interpersonal and charitable causes.
Dan enjoyed travelling, a good meal, a good laugh, a good story, history, reading and involvement with his many organizations and clubs such as the Art Club, Hope Club, Aquidneck Club, AE Cub, and his favorite, the Galilee Beach Club where he would sit for hours watching the ferries and listening to the waves crash on the shore. Dan had a presence that lifted every room he walked into. He had a light that warmed everyone who knew him. He had the generosity to help anyone who needed it. Dan gave and never took. A true Catholic, a true philanthropist, a true gentleman, Dan was a one-of-a-kind classic. Although many who knew and loved Dan now feel an unfillable hole once occupied by his unrivaled kindness, his omnipresent light has brightened heaven and Dan watches over us all until we meet again.
Dan is survived by his partner, Jeffrey Harrington of Portsmouth R.I. He is survived by his brother Kevin R. Harrop and his wife Karen of Warwick, sisters Deborah J. Harrop of Bonita, Florida and Susan James and her husband David of Naples Florida, his best friend and cousin Maureen Harrop, his beloved dog, Fozzie as well as many wonderful nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews as well as numerous other family and friends.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Mass of Christian Burial on Friday October 14th at 11am in St. Joseph's Church, Hope St. Providence with visitation in the church starting at 10am. A luncheon to celebrate his life will be held following the mass. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Dan's memory may be made to the Catholic Foundation of R.I. (dioceseofprovidence.org) or to Vintage Pet Rescue (vintagepetrescue.org).
