Niles ‘Skip’ Leeper – now playing the Eternal Lounge
We are mourning the loss of Niles âSkipã Leeper, 96 years young, who died peacefully on Good Friday, April 3, 2026, at Elison of Pinecrest in Largo, Florida from cardiac arrest a quiet ending for someone who filled so many rooms with music and a never-ending inventory of corny jokes that always fit the conversation. A little-known fact that he earned the nickname âSkipã from his grandmom because as a child, he literally skipped all the time. The nickname stuck and stayed with him for a lifetime.
He was born on Friday, Sept. 13, 1929, in Collingswood, N.J., to the late Belmar and Catherine Leeper. As a young child, his family moved to Burnham, where Skip grew up on Pinetop, a place that shaped him and gave him friendships that remained close to him throughout his entire life.
He served his country during the Korean war, returning home, ready to build a life centered on two great loves: music and Geraldine âGerryã Hegner, whom he married in 1954. Together, they created a partnership that stood the test of time. They didnát just grow old together; they grew together for 66 wonderful years before Gerryás passing in March of 2020.
Skip was a jazz pianist through and through. It was how he connected to people, forming The Skip Leeper Quartet, performing at practically every social gathering in the area for many years. He especially loved playing solo at the Green Gables, jamming to the sounds of Mel, Ella, Shearing and other jazz greats. His playing and humor brought countless smiles to the patrons and staff alike. As if he werenát busy enough, he managed to also give his time generously through Kiwanis and The United Way, always believing community mattered.
He and Gerry owned Leeperás Music House, starting from one very small showroom on Freedom Ave, and turning into a well-loved family business on Windmill Hill. While Gerry kept the business running smoothly, Skip served as Burnham Postmaster, delivering mail and humor to customers by day and music by night. At age 55, he and Gerry sold the business, and he retired from the post office, though anyone that knew Skip, understands he truly never stopped working or playing.
Retiring to winters in Florida brought sunshine, new friends and audiences. In later years, he and his cousin, Carol Bower, toured nursing homes throughout the tri county area – Carol singing, Skip at the piano, both bringing joy, laughter and familiar songs to people who needed them most. Skip understood something simple: music makes people feel at home.
Skip was preceded in death by his only sibling, Kay Leeper Brittain, whose memory remained close to his heart. He leaves behind daughters, Lisa Kay Clark and husband, Greg, of Paoli, and Kristie Ann Leeper Wian, of Clearwater, Fla. He is also survived by three grandchildren, Will âBuddyã Wian of Clearwater, Fla., Margo DeLaCruz and husband, Devin, of San Diego, Calif., and Christopher Clark and wife, Jaimee, of Bethlehem, and his great grandchild, Zoe Rose Clark, the undeniable apple of his eye. He is also survived by his niece, Kelly Lynn Swisher and husband, Mark, of Little River, S.C. and his cousin, James Shannon, of Reedsville, who was, in every way that mattered, more like a son than a cousin.
Skip leaves us with music and laughter still echoing, and lots of stories still being told. We like to imagine there is a piano waiting, a small crowd gathering, and Skip looking around and saying âWell, does anyone know a good drummer?ã
We will deeply miss you, Pop Pop.
Services will be announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Loving Care Cat Rescue, PO Box 153, Lemoyne, PA 17043-0153.