07/04/2025
Roy Eugene Keiper
ROY EUGENE KEIPER, age 66, of Chagrin Falls passed away peacefully on June 27, 2025. Born on May 6, 1959, in Willowick, Roy grew up in a warm and loving home alongside his parents, Margaret A. (nee Kublin) and Robert J. Keiper, his sister Kimberly, and his brother Fritz. As the eldest of the three children, Roy was thoughtful, dependable and deeply devoted to his family. He was a supportive son and a caring, protective older brother.
Roy graduated from Eastlake North High School, where he was not only an excellent student but also a talented wrestler. He competed on the school’s 1974 – 75 Division I state champion wrestling team and qualified for states – an achievement that reflected his determination, discipline, and athletic ability. He went on to attend Ohio University to study Computer Science. While there, Roy continued to pursue his love of sports and was named the All – Campus Champion of the men’s tennis team in the spring of 1979.
Roy’s professional life was as multifaceted as his personal passions. He began his working years in masonry, where he developed not only technical skills but also the work ethic that would serve him throughout his life. He later transitioned into information technology, working with major banking institutions and in a government role as an IT professional for the U.S. Department of Defense. His career reflected not only his intelligence and adaptability but his sense of responsibility and integrity.
Roy was a man of many talents. Later in life, he discovered a deep love for cooking and became a remarkable home chef. His family looked forward to his homemade meals, most famously his beloved pizza known affectionately as “Dadza” along with countless other culinary masterpieces that brought everyone to the table.
An avid tennis player and instructor, Roy was a beloved figure at the Cleveland Heights Tennis Club, where he earned the affectionate title of “court master.” He was known to “know every grain of clay, every line, every bounce,” and was a source of wisdom, camaraderie, and unmatched skill on and off the court.
Roy spent over four decades of his life alongside Jodi A. Keiper, with whom he built a family and raised their three beloved children.
He is survived by his devoted children: Christian Robert Keiper, Matthew James Keiper, and Maggie Elizabeth Keiper. He is also survived by his brother Fritz (Mary) Keiper; and by the mother of his children, Jodi A. Keiper.
Roy was a proud and loving uncle to many nieces and nephews: Cory (May) Keiper, Ben Keiper; Jeff (Amanda) Drake, Greg Drake; Johnny Kosek, Jennifer (Justin) Puccinelli; James, Sophie, Autumn, and Marissa Besett; Jeffrey, Josh, and Caty (Angel) Schaefer; and Shannon (Chris) Williams.
He was a beloved brother-in-law to Doug (Kim) Drake, Cindi (Chris) Butler, and Tim (Michele) Besett.
Roy was preceded in death by his parents, Margaret and Robert Keiper; his sister, Kimberly A. Drake; and his nephews Dillon and Gunther Drake.
Above all else, Roy was an extraordinary father. He never missed a soccer or lacrosse game. His unwavering support, playful stubbornness, warm heart, and booming laugh made him the center of his family’s world. His humor lit up every room, and his presence brought comfort and joy to those around him.
Roy’s life was a true reflection of generosity, creativity, and connection. He was a loyal friend, a dedicated father, a passionate hobbyist, and a lover of music, golf, and life itself. His memory will live on through the countless lives he touched.
The Keiper family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time.
Friends and family are welcome to St. John Funeral Home, 16381 Chillicothe Rd, Chagrin Falls, OH 44023 on Saturday, July 12 from 4 P.M – 7 P.M with a closing service at 7 P.M.
Roy’s joy lives on in all of us. He will be deeply missed.
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