Neil R. Roeper

Neil R. Roeper, aged 87, of Vermilion, passed away on Sunday, April 7, 2024, at Keystone Pointe in LaGrange after a prolonged illness.

Born on January 6, 1937, in Cleveland, OH, Neil had called Vermilion home for the past 25 years, having relocated from Columbia Station.

Neil served as a dedicated Fireman in the Cleveland Fire Department, ascending to the rank of Lieutenant during his 25-year tenure until his retirement in 1988. He also shared his expertise as an instructor at the Fire Academy for 8 years.

Outside of his professional life, Neil found solace in the pursuits of boating & fishing on Lake Erie, sharing stories and jokes both good and bad, and bowling. In his early days he enjoyed showing his horse 'Ginger'-"Ging" and pheasant hunting with his dogs 'Katie and Kaiser'.

Neil leaves behind his beloved wife of 66 years, Betty Lou (nee White) Roeper of Vermilion, and his sons, Neil "Chip" (Jackie) Roeper, Jr. of Lakeland, FL, and Timothy (Marcia) Roeper of LaGrange. He will be fondly remembered by his grandchildren, Johnathan, Preston, Christine Roeper, and Janell (Roeper) Eschenbrenner, as well as his great-grandchildren, Rhea and Alphonse.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Freida (Leonhardt) Roeper, and his sister Jeanne McCue.

Friends and family are invited to pay their respects on Saturday, April 13, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. until the commencement of a memorial service at 7:00 p.m. at the Riddle Funeral Home, 5345 South Street, Vermilion, Ohio 44089.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to ALD Alliance (www.aldalliance.org/ways-to-give.html) in honor of great grandson: Alphonse Eschenbrenner.

Expressions of sympathy and online condolences can be shared at www.riddlefuneralhome.com.