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Friday, March 29, 2024

Cheers to Bob Piper on his 100th birthday

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Above / Bob Piper arrived early for his weekly Tuesday morning coffee klatch at Colonial CafĂ© in Naperville Plaza. The men’s group has been meeting for more than 30 years, Piper recalls.

At 7AM Tues., May 24, 2022, the temperature was 51 degrees. Skies were mostly cloudy and leaves were gently swaying the breeze. As usual, an “old fogies” coffee call had been arranged for 7:45AM at Colonial Café. On this day, wives also were invited to help celebrate Bob Piper’s entry into the special group of centenarians.

Longtime friends gathered for an early morning birthday bash to celebrate Bob Piper’s first 100 years!

Born on May 24, 1922, Robert Donald Piper is the son of Edith and Benjamin Piper.

Bob’s dad, who lived to be 83, was well known for his service to the community. The elder Piper was a city attorney who also sat as a member of the school board. His dad was among the founders of Naperville Country Club in 1921. Plus, Benjamin Piper also served as Mayor from 1923–1927.

The younger Piper was raised in Naperville, graduated from Naperville High School in 1940, and attended North Central College for two years before transferring to the engineering school at Purdue University.

In 1943, he joined the U.S. Navy. He recalls leaving Purdue to go to the Naval Academy at Annapolis where he was commissioned Ensign and served aboard the light destroyer U.S.S. O’Flaherty during the Battle of Guadalcanal. 

As the story goes, one night Bob decided to go on deck to catch some fresh air. He struck up a conversation with Seaman Carmichael about what they missed most back home. Bob reminisced about playing the saxophone in some jazz bands— and he said he really missed it. Seaman Carmichael said his brother, Hoagy, also was a musician.

After his Navy service, he returned to Purdue where he received his degree in engineering in 1946.

Bob later worked for a company where he helped develop the guidance system for the F-16 Fighting Falcon.

Bob married Carol Preston in 1945. Their four children are Steve, Barbara, Bruce and Diane. Bob boasts 10 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Bob’s wife Carol, served the Naperville City Council. She also served on many committees as did her husband. Carol passed away at age 88 in 2012 after a long illness. They were married 67 years.

An avid Purdue basketball fan, Bob never misses a televised game. If the Boilermakers lose, he’s quick to point out what the coach should have done. Then he suggests they might need a new coach!

A member of Grace United Methodist Church for 88 years, Bob is responsible for the carillon system installed in the church which he purchased in memory of his father, Benjamin.

Two years ago when Bob turned 98 many of his friends in attendance for his 100th birthday bash also helped him celebrate when a parade passed his home. Bob recalls the police escort, motorcycles and cars while he proudly stood in front of his Navy flag saluting the parade.

Charlie Brown ordered the special birthday cake from Costco where the pastry chefs said they really enjoyed created the cake with the Navy theme for a 100-year-old Veteran.

On his 100th birthday, joyful friends gathered around him at Colonial where he was reminded that when he was born in 1922, Naperville had a population of less than 2,000.  He gave a huge smile when his friends teased him for being responsible for Naperville’s growth to nearly 150,000 one hundred years later.

With gratitude to all, Bob Piper made a wish!

Bob recalled a recent letter received from the Secretary of the Navy with congratulations on his 100th birthday, at which time Bob also credited his caregiver, Fe Elloren, for 17 years of T.L.C.

Happy 100th Birthday, Bob Piper!

Success!

When he blew out the candles on his birthday cake, Bob said, “I’m now working on 101!”

Biographical details of Bob Piper’s life were submitted by longtime friend and coffee klatch buddy, Charlie Brown. Photos by PN.

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PN Editor
PN Editor
An editor is someone who prepares content for publishing. It entered English, the American Language, via French. Its modern sense for newspapers has been around since about 1800.

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