Robert Lepper Jr.

A former University of Rhode Island dean, botanist and decorated World War II veteran with ties to Westerly has died.
Robert Lepper, Jr., died at home in Kingston on Saturday, March 6, surrounded by his family. He was 95.
Born in Pawtucket on April 13, 1914 to Robert and Emily Everling Lepper, he was raised in Westerly. A 1932 graduate of Westerly High School, Lepper received a bachelor's degree in biology from the University of Rhode Island in 1936, and a master's degree in genetics in 1937.
He enlisted in the Navy in 1940 and was commissioned as an ensign. During the invasions of Sicily, Salerno, Italy and Normandy, he captained an LCT, an amphibious assault ship. His experiences have been recorded in the Naval Historical Collection at the Naval War College, Newport. He returned to the United States in 1944 a decorated veteran, married Lt. Junior Class Rita Connor, U.S. Naval Reserve, of Providence, and became assistant professor of naval science and tactics at Naval Research Officers Training Corps at the University of North Carolina.
Upon his return to Rhode Island in 1946, he became assistant principal at Lockwood Junior High School, and subsequently in 1947, assistant principal of Gorton High School in Warwick, where he was also head baseball coach.
In 1948, he became instructor of botany at URI, then the Rhode Island State College. By 1953, he had built a home in Kingston and assumed the chairmanship of URI's Botany Department - a position he held until 1972. He completed his doctorate in cytology from the University of Connecticut, and was promoted to full professor in 1954.
His tenure at URI included several alumni, faculty, staff, and state positions including interim dean of arts and sciences in 1973. The Alumni Association's Ram Award was presented to him in 1966. He retired as dean mmeritus in 1978.
As a youth in Westerly, he played baseball and football. In his senior year, he was selected All-Division and All-State as a lineman, and inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame in 2007. At URI, he earned eight varsity letters in football and baseball. He continued as an avid supporter of URI athletics, holding several administrative positions including chairman of the Athletic Council and acting director of athletics. He was drafted into the URI Hall of Fame in 1976.
He enjoyed a variety of sports, including handball, tennis, bowling and, in particular, golf. He was a member of Point Judith Country Club, where he was good enough to sink two holes-in-ones.
Predeceased by his wife, he is survived by four daughters, Frances L. Johnson of Foster, Julia L. Murphy of Washington, D.C., Patricia L. Young of Milford, Mass., and Mary L. Sutphen of Wakefield; 10 grandchildren; and two great-granddaughters.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be sent to The South Kingstown Land Trust, 313 Main Street–Suite C, Wakefield, R.I. 02879, or The Animal Rescue League of Rhode Island, P.O. Box 458, Wakefield, R.I. 02880.