Lionel Aldino Chepren (Chep), 91, of St. Petersburg, passed away December 1, 2012 at Bay Pines VA Health Care Systems under the care of hospice.
He was born March 11, 1921 in Stoughton, Massachusetts. Those who read his life story will see him as a brave WWII Navy soldier, an accomplished engineer, a video game repair man, an avid ham radio operator, and an incredible Mr. Fix-it. But, those who were fortunate enough to be a part of his life know him as an amazing man who could do anything he put his mind to, would do anything to help another and then refuse recognition, and mostly as a man who would tell it to you exactly as it is!
Lionel is survived by his siblings, Ulanda Fuller, Rodney Chepren and Eugene Chepren; children, Millicent Cook, Marcia Crawford, Michael Chepren and Maureen Montessa; grandchildren, Camille Rogers, Damon Chepren, Christopher Crawford, Nicole Mendieta, James Rogers, Ty Montessa, Bryce Montessa and Cole Montessa.
Lionel is predeceased by his loving wife, Thelma Loraine Chepren and daughter, Muriel V. Chepren.
For those who call him family or friend there will be a memorial service to celebrate his life at 10:45 AM on Friday, December, 14, 2012 at Bay Pines National Cemetery. There will also be a reception in the adjacent Veterans War Memorial Park immediately following the service at Shelter #5.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to the hospice unit at Bay Pines, BAY Pines VAHCS, PO Box 5005, Sect. 135, Bay Pines, FL 33744 (write “Hospice” in the memo).
Sign the guestbook below.
To Lionel’s family,
My heartfelt sympathy on your tremendous loss. Lionel was all that was written above and more. I will never forget how he transformed his motor home to be my campaign vehicle when I ran for the school board in 1986. It was a moving billboard and was a tremendous asset to me. He was always willing to lend a helping hand and, man, could he cook!! I know you will treasure his memory as will I.
To all Lionel’s Family, my heartfelt sympathy to you all. And know he truly will be missed by me, I remember him sitting on the front porch as I would come home from work,his smiles, and comments on my hats I would wear. I will miss him ALWAYS waving as he sat on the porch. He was a Good man, and truly missed. Big hugs to your Family. He will always be in my heart, as I know he will yours too.
Grandpa, I would be there if I was able to. You know I love and will never forget you. You are my hero and my heart is broken. I will see you again one day. For my family, I love all you guys. Hang in there and know that I feel everything that you are feeling. Honor my grandpa.
To all the family, my sympathy goes out to all of you. The world was a much better place with him here. He taught me alot and i will never forget him. He is always in my heart. Hope to see him and Grandma someday for they were the family I never had. May God bless them and the rest of the family.
To Chep’s family. My deepest sympathy to all of you. For he will truly be missed by anyone who was fortunate to have known him. I feel fortunate to have had him be a part of my life. To me not only was he my neighbor he was a tremendous teacher, engineer, cook but most important of all a great friend. A man who never ceased to amaze me with what he would do, although it may have seemed unconventional at times. He made things and did things simply because he could! Godspeed my friend!
Lionel could do anything-from cooking meals to a master of the skilled trades, he could play the accordian and paint wonderful creative pictures. He was always there for my family, friends and neighbors. A Navy man & true WW2 Patriot that loved and fought for his country but could be so gentle with children using the biggest hands I ever saw on a man of his size. Many lives come and go, but Lionels life will live on in our collective memories. Semper Fi
His passing is not a terrible thing, in fact, he deserves it. He lived for near on a century, saw first hand what most can only read about in the history books. He has the right to be at peace.
-JR
Daddy, You are truly missed every day by us.I love you but I am glad your free and with mom now.My dad was a good man and a jack of all trades. You always said if you don’t know how to do something read a book about it and learn.I am proud you were my father.You taught me so much.I am truly lucky.Rest in peace.
Grandpa you were a wonderful man and will be dearly missed by many many people. I hold dear my fond childhood memories you were a part of and the stuff i learned from you. Every time i smell a pipe i think of you
I love you so much Grandpa. I miss you so much.
He was a very smart & sweet man. Always teaching his knowledge to all.
I know you are looking over me and your great grandson.
You will always be missed, but never forgotten
Sincerley your Grand daughter Nicky
To the family he was a wonderful friend and will be missed. Mr. Chepren touched the lives, appliances and vehicles of most people on 25th ave. I can remember many times walking over to ask a question. He was always willing to listen, I think. After I presented my problem he knew that his explanation would not suffice because I still could not understand a word he just said. “Scotty, Scotty, SCOTTY, give me a minute and I’ll be over” as he shook his head. Haaaaaaa, that’s what I wanted really wanted to hear. Mr. Chepren, I still at times can break off more than I can chew, but I have learned so much from you. You could have made millions with your knowledge and skills. His focus was instead on family, friends and making a difference with others. Whether he knew it or not. He will always be worth millions to many. By the way I could have used your help yesterday. Peace be with you Mr. Chepren.
to a great father, who will be strongly missed.
UNCLE Lionel was my favorite UNCLE. I miss him it have great memories.
Rest in Peace sailor. (Mr Chepren served aboard the USS Forrest during WWII). V/r JS