Richard Alan Lepp

RICHARD ALAN LEPP (FORMERLY OF HOBART) Richard Alan Lepp (formerly of Hobart) passed away in Aldie, va on June 18, 2017 at the age of 61. Rick was born on December 27, 1955 in Gary, in to Margaret and Francis Lepp. He was a beloved son, brother, uncle, great uncle and godfather. His early life was filled with 4H, insect collections, cub scouts, and playing sports, with soccer being his passion. After graduating from Andrean High School in Merrillville in 1974, he attended Purdue University, finishing in 1978 with a bachelor's degree in Management. He later completed a Master's degree in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Kansas in 1993. In 1983, he married his wife of 34 years, Michele Chiaramonte. Over the next three years, the couple welcomed three daughters into their home. Shortly after his marriage, Rick enlisted in the Navy as a submariner where he served aboard the USS Ohio in Bangor, WA. From 1993 to 1996 he served as the Officer-in-Charge at Tsurumi and Naval Air Facility in Yokohama, Japan. Throughout his 20 years of service, Rick achieved the rank of Lieutenant Commander, before retiring and joining the Defense Logistics Agency. From 2006 to 2010, he worked at the Defense Energy Support Center Europe and Africa in Kaiserslautern, Germany before moving back stateside to be closer to family in Virginia where he resided until his death. His children remember him as a humble, patient, calm, adventurous, and reliable father who taught them to embrace their natural talents, to never give up, to be open to new experiences, to appreciate the value a good book, and that you can try, but you can never, ever beat Dad at Stratego. Among other hobbies, Rick was a lifelong fan of soccer and often reminisced fondly about playing at Purdue. He coached and continued to play soccer throughout his years, and continued this tradition with his grandson. Rick is preceded in death by his father, Francis Albert Lepp. Rick is survived by his wife Michele; daughters: Drew Lepp, Jill (David) Reddick, and Alexandra Lepp; two grandchildren: Benjamin and Caroline Reddick, mother Margaret Lepp, of Hobart, sisters Peggy (Barth) Fisk of Fishers, Patty (Mike) Byelick of Plymouth, and brothers, William (Marilyn) Lepp of Fairhope, Alabama, and David (Jayne) Lepp of Fishers, and many nieces, nephews and extended family. A memorial service will be held at Arlington National Cemetary with details to follow.