Henry Peper, Jr died peacefully at his home in Marblehead, MA on February 24, 2017, surrounded by family and friends. Henry is predeceased by his parents, brother William Peper, and sister Helen Peper Siegel. Henry is survived by children Sam Hayes and Catherine Carew Peper, Henry and Marguerite Frank Peper, Sarah Peper Tompkins and Stephen Tompkins III.  He was a very proud grandfather of Nicholas, Samantha and Hanna Peper, and Coles and Caroline Tompkins, and especially pleased that the family name is continued with great grandson Jameson Thomas Peper.

Born in NYC of German immigrant parents, Henry and Meta (Huenke) Peper, the family later moved to Port Washington, NY where Henry graduated High School in 1940 and on to college graduating with honors in Chemistry from University of Cincinnati in 1949.  His college career was interrupted by World War II with a stint in the US Navy, Construction battalion (Sea Bee's) with service in the European and Pacific theatres as a hard hat diver.  He received a Master's degree in Chemistry from Williams College in 1950.

A scientist and inventor, Henry had a successful 35 year career at Gillette. He was Writing Instruments Head of Research and Development inventing the Flair and Erasermate.   His career took him to Washington DC, Pacific Palisades CA and eventually back to the east coast to Boston. On the advice of his most trusted sailing companions, it was Marblehead where Henry made his family's home.

Henry's passion was the sea. His sailing career started in IOD's on Long Island sound in the 1930's.  His spark was rekindled when living on the west coast- A member of the Santa Monica Yacht Club Henry was an avid racer both in PHRF coastal and off shore regattas – including the TransPac in 1973.  Henry brought his passion east and competed in numerous regattas along the eastern sea board where he served as navigator and trusted veteran crew that included Newport to UK, Marion to Bermuda, Newport to Bermuda and Marblehead to Halifax.   Henry was an active member of the Rhodes 19 Fleet over 20 years racing his boat Chili with his son, Henry Peper, III.  For over 30 years Henry was a proud member of the Boston Yacht Club, where he served on the Race Committee.

Upon retirement the sea is where Henry decided to take up residence on his Gulf Star 40, Magic.  He spent winters sailing the Caribbean, with an international cadre of competitive sailors and close friends.  This life kept him young in body and spirit, winning regattas throughout the Caribbean, including the Rolex Cup, Antigua Sailing Week and Antigua Classic Regatta on classic  S/Y Mariella, S/Y Caccia a la Volpe and others.  An inspiration to those around him, Henry continued to actively compete and sail off shore into his 90's

Henry adored his life and friends in Marblehead- he could often be found puttering in his garden, devouring the NY Times at the Muffin Shop or on the dance floor with the town's most beautiful women.

His life will be celebrated with family and friends May 26, 2017 at the Boston Yacht Club, donations may be made in his memory at Pleon Yacht Club, Marblehead MA, 01945. http://www.pleon.org/