Allen Curtis “Curt” Clapper, born July 21, 1949 in Chicago to Allen Bernard and Martha (nee Garrett) Clapper, passed away March 18, at Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights. Clapper, who grew up in Park Ridge, most recently lived in Arlington Heights.
Clapper, who was gay, was a longtime supporter of LGBT causes.
Clapper was a 1967 graduate of Maine East High School in Park Ridge, and he earned his BS in mathematics from Northwestern University in 1971. Clapper worked for many years in technology support, both at DeSoto and as an independent consultant. Then his professional life merged with his passion for books, reading and writing. He spent many years in the retail book industry, including as partner in People Like Us Books, a gay and lesbian bookstore.
Clapper was always happy at work at the Arlington Heights Memorial Library. He loved biking, hiking, in-line skating, theater and acting, gardening and his cats. Clapper cared deeply about people and his community, and demonstrated this by his volunteer work at Horizons Community Services (now Center on Halsted) in Chicago. Clapper realized a dream this past December when some of his writing was published.
Clapper is survived by his brother Greg (Jody) Clapper, nieces Laura Clapper and Jenna (Dave) Staples and his aunt Catherine Smith.
Clapper was preceded in death by his parents.
A Memorial Service will be held from 4 — 5 p.m. on Thursday, March 22, in the Hendrickson Room on the second floor of The Arlington heights Memorial Library, 500 N. Dunton Ave., Arlington Heights. Interment was private.