Stephen Charles Lepley of Middletown, RI passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, December 19, 2017.
Steve was born on January 11, 1950 in Indianapolis, Indiana, the son of Herbert C. Lepley, HMC, United States Navy and Helen F. (McDarby) Lepley. As a navy family, they moved to Rhode Island in 1955 where Steve attended Middletown public schools and De La Salle Academy, class of 1968. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Finance and Marketing from Boston College graduating cum laude in 1972. His association with Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner and Smith began in 1973 at their Providence office, where he served for 45 years and currently was co-leading The Lepley Wealth Management Group with his son Kyle. In 1988, he earned his MBA from Providence College.
Steve had a long participation in varied civic and charitable organizations. An interest in sailing led to his membership in the Newport Yacht Club, ultimately serving as Commodore from 1988-1990. Later, he was honored for his long-term efforts at preserving the club’s location at Long Wharf, where it remains today. He served as Board President of the Newport County YMCA and actively continued as a coach and benefactor. He was a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians (Dennis E. Collins division) and on the board of the Museum of Newport Irish History. He was a member of the Middletown Historical Society where he chaired the committee for the restoration and preservation of stone walls on Aquidneck Island. He also served on the Newport Hospital Board of Governors since 1998.
An avid golfer, he was a member of the Wanumetonomy Golf Club. He held dual Irish citizenship and was most proud of his heritage. Steve was passionate about playing “LINKS” style golf in Ireland. After numerous trips to the Emerald Isle, Steve played at fourteen of Ireland’s most seaside courses.
Steve is survived by his cherished wife of 37 years, Carol Jordan Lepley of Middletown, his son Kyle J. Lepley (Dana) of East Greenwich, his daughter Meredith Lepley Ryder (Sam) of Philadelphia, PA and his first grandchild Madelyn Grace Lepley, his three sisters, Anna Mae Hamacher of Scituate Harbor, MA; Mary Jane Brickach of Gainesville, VA; and Barbara Crowell Roy of Sachseln, Switzerland and Newport, along with an extended family throughout the country.
Funeral services will be held at St. Mary’s Church, Newport, RI on Saturday, December 23 at 10 am with Rev. Msgr. Albert Kenney officiating. Burial will be private. Visitation will be held at O’Neill-Hayes Funeral Home, 465 Spring St, Newport on Friday, December 22 from 4-7 pm.
The family extends their gratitude to the attentive and compassionate staff at the Miriam Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center in Providence.
Memorial donations may be made to the Museum of Newport Irish History, PO Box 1378, Newport, RI 02840 or to the Ancient Order of Hibernians, 2 Wellington Ave, Newport, RI 02840.
Steve was known as being passionate in all his endeavors and loyal to all those who needed him. He was dedicated to his family and friends. Steve will be sadly missed and remembered forever.
