Lloyd Benjamin Lueptow, PhD

Lloyd Benjamin Lueptow, Skipper, Hurricane Hunter, PhD

“It’s been a lovely cruise.”

Lloyd B. Lueptow, 92, emeritus professor from the University of Akron, died on March 21, 2021, at home in Akron, Ohio. He had recently returned after 25 years on land and water in Florida. He had a fortunate life of laughter, love, sorrow, success, adventure, and family. He contributed to every community he entered, married beautifully, and raised his children with a capacity for happiness.

He is survived by Margaret Basilia, his beloved wife of 30 years, daughter Diana and son Steve (Bonney), granddaughter Elizabeth, step-granddaughter Laura, step-great-grandson Andrew, and brother Lowell (Susan). He was preceded in death by his wonderful first wife, Jean Louise.

Thomas Hardy said, “two bright-souled women clave to him,” was “word enough of praise.” Lloyd always pondered with wonder this great good fortune.

Lloyd was born in Columbus, Wisconsin. After a small-town childhood, high-school track career and flying lessons in country fields, Lloyd went to Pensacola as naval aviation cadet. He flew in a Hurricane Squadron, carried transport to Europe, and helped build the Air Force base at Thule in Greenland, finishing as Ensign in the Naval Reserve before returning to Madison.

Embarking on his research career, he received his PhD from the University of Wisconsin, teaching at Indiana State before joining UA for a notable career in Sociology and Social Psychology. His scholarly book, Adolescent Sex Roles and Social Change, was published in 1984, for which he received the North Central Sociological Association’s Scholarly Achievement Award.

Lloyd and crews of family and friends were for years avid ILYA sailors and competitors out of Sandusky. Racing and cruising (and Frosty’s pizza!) were his lifeblood for decades. In retirement Lloyd and Margaret travelled the New York canal system and Intracoastal Waterway, Chesapeake Bay, and open ocean, to arrive in Florida where they were live-aboards in the Keys, later sailing and racing in Charlotte Harbor as they had done on Lake Erie.

As Jimmy Buffett sang, “it’s been a lovely cruise.” Thank you, Dad, and with gratitude to all who have contributed love and support for Lloyd and Margie. Special thank-you to Gainesville caregiver “Miss Terry” Brown.

A private service and interment have taken place.

Memorials are suggested to Union of Concerned Scientists, Summit County Metro Parks, or an environmental organization of your choice.

A poem of Lucille Clifton:

blessing the boats

(at St. Mary’s)

may the tide

that is entering even now

the lip of our understanding

carry you out

beyond the face of fear

may you kiss

the wind then turn from it

certain that it will

love your back may you

open your eyes to water

water waving forever

and may you in your innocence

sail through this to that

Services in care of The Billow Funeral Homes and Crematory, Fairlawn Chapel, 85 N. Miller Road, Fairlawn, OH  44333.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.