David Roger Lepp

Rochester - April 7, 1944 to January 14, 2021

These are the words contributed by David's closest family members reminding us all of his amazing life, accomplishments, and memories. Our "Papa," as his grandchildren called him (and eventually everyone else in the family) was an amazing husband, father, son, brother and an inspiration to countless others. He faced life with incredible strength, courage, and optimism, and was loved by his family.

David was born on April 7, 1944, the oldest child of Roger DeLyle and Dorothy Joan Lepp. David was born in Niagara Falls, NY and eventually moved to Medina, NY where he made lifelong friends, and trust me, if he made you a friend you were a friend for life. He was married on January 23, 1967 to Barbara May Doran, living in Bennington, VT where they had their daughter Traci, then moved to Corning, NY where they had their son Kevin, and finally settling in Greece, NY where he worked for GMAC his entire career.

Like his father, he rarely talked about himself or his accomplishments, he would rather listen to your story, utterly understand it, and offer advice only if requested. Graduating from Medina High School in 1962 and having the privilege to attend a couple of those reunions with him over the years, his children were surprised to hear he was quite the athlete lettering in football (QB), basketball, and track…selected as captain for each. David was even voted "King of the Prom" during his lofty high school career. However, in typical "Papa" fashion, accomplishments in his past were just that, in the past, he was always looking forward to his next adventure.

The biggest life-changing event of David's life occurred in 1982, when David suffered a diving accident in Lake Ontario at his parent's cottage leaving him paralyzed. Anyone facing a life as a quadriplegic could have given up…but not Papa. David faced the challenge head-on with his loving family by his side every step of the way, just another adventure in his book. He never let his wheelchair be an excuse for volunteering, he coached his son's baseball team, served as President of the Greece Community Federal Credit Union, and read books at the elementary school. Truly an inspiration to anyone who has met him… to always be so upbeat and positive in the most difficult of situations was incredible.

David loved sports, almost always playing a sport, managing his son's teams, or just watching them. He was arguably the biggest Buffalo Bill's fan on the planet. David literally was a fan since the Bill's were established in 1960, and eventually purchased season tickets with his brother-in-law Jack Kiebala when Rich Stadium was built in 1973, tickets that reside in the family to this day. Hey Buffalo, let's win one for Papa!

David loved his summers at Sacandaga, especially poker games with the guys, playing cribbage, and betting on the Saratoga horse races. Loved family gatherings, singing around the player piano, and songs around the campfire. He never missed his children's and grandchildren's activities if he could physically attend; little league, plays, swimming meets, lacrosse games, band and choral performances. You always knew when the first day of Spring was, not because of the robins, but because David was off to Wegmans a mile and half down the road in his wheelchair.

In the end, David had some medical challenges and eventually succumbed to complications from Covid-19. Imagine that? It took a global pandemic to get David to leave his family, shocker! And in true David-fashion, some of his last words were, "I'm looking forward to the adventure." Extremely fitting end with his granddaughter and son by his side, for a truly inspirational man, and remember, "If you have it, eat your dessert first," like Papa.

David is now with his daughter, Traci Lepp (Pratt), and is survived by his wife Barbara Lepp (Doran), his son, Kevin Lepp, granddaughters, Kelsey Pratt, Taylor Lepp, and Kaitlyn Lepp, grandson, Ryan Pratt & his spouse Sypriss, Son-in-law, David Pratt, his sisters, Cynthia "Cissy" Kiebala and Kathy Lake, and their spouses Jack Kiebala and Dennis Lake, his sister-in-law, Beverly Pratt (Doran) and spouse John Pratt, brothers-in-law, Valentine & Robert Doran, 9 nieces & nephews, and 2 great granddaughters, Hailey & Savina, and countless lifetime friends.

Per David's wishes, there will not be a showing in these times of Covid-19. However, another announcement will be made for a "Celebration of Life" to honor David as soon as our Covid rules become less restrictive.