Richard A. Tepper

Richard Alexander Tepper, known to friends and family simply as Rich, passed away peacefully on July 11, 2025, in his hometown of Detroit, Michigan, at the age of 89. Born on November 5, 1935, in Detroit, Rich lived a long and full life rooted in family and faith.

Rich was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Nancy, with whom he shared more than 60 years of marriage marked by deep friendship, devotion, and unwavering love. Together they raised two sons, Rick (Donna) and Steve (Annette), who carry forward their father's strength and steady guidance. He was a proud grandfather to Stevie and Caroline.

Rich was also preceded in death by his brother, Tony, and by his parents, Alexander and Antoinette (Mary), whose influence helped shape the thoughtful and faithful man he became.

Rich grew up in Detroit, Michigan, where his strong work ethic and love for learning first took root. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from General Motors Institute (now Kettering University), setting the foundation for a distinguished career in the automotive industry. After ten years with General Motors, Rich joined Ford Motor Company, where he worked for over three decades in roles spanning Engineering, Manufacturing, and Plant Leadership. He retired as a Plant Manager, having built a reputation for integrity, steady leadership, and technical excellence.

Outside of work, Rich found joy in golf, travel, and watching sports-especially NASCAR and cheering on his beloved Detroit Lions. He had a deep and enduring love for cars, both for their designs and as symbols of American ingenuity.

But nothing brought him more joy than being a grandfather-Stevie and Caroline were the light of his life, and he cherished every moment with them.

A man of deep tradition, Rich believed in the power of family gatherings. Family dinners at his home were a cherished ritual, filled with warmth, conversation, and home-cooked meals. His family continues this tradition-proof that Rich's legacy lives on not just in memory, but around the table.

Rich was active in his Catholic faith and a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus Third and Fourth Degree Council at Sweetest Heart of Mary Church in Detroit. His most recent role was as Faithful Navigator of the Fourth Degree. Rich was passionate about the restoration of the church's stained-glass windows-a project close to his heart. Please consider donating to this effort in his name here.

Visitation will take place on Monday, July 21, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM with 7:00 PM Rosary at Lynch & Sons Funeral Directors, 1368 N Crooks Rd, Clawson, Michigan.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Sweetest Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 4440 Russell St, Detroit, Michigan. Rich will lie in state at the church beginning at 9:30 AM. Burial Services will follow in Mt. Olivet Cemetery.