Pat Piper, a significant figure in one of the country’s great swimming communities, died on February 15 after a short fight with an aggressive form of cancer. He was 71 years -old.
Piper grew up between Peoria and Naperville, Illinois areas, where he was a school record holder at Naperville Central High School. He went on to swim for Illinois State University.
“Pat was a fun-loving and gregarious teammate who brought energy and kindness to everyone around him,” his Illinois State teammate Paul Scottberg said. “He will be sorely missed by his fellow ISU teammates and the swimming community.”
After 29 years in sales with Prudential, he returned to give back to the Naperville swimming community. He worked with both the Maverick Swim Club and Fox Valley Swim Teams and was the pool manager at Naper Carriage Hill. According to his obituary, “one of Pat’s greatest joys was mentoring young swimmers and helping them reach their goals.”
He also worked as a substitute teacher.
Pat was particularly proud that his sons, Keith and Scott, both followed in his footsteps as collegiate swimmers – Keith at UConn and Scott at Michigan State. He is survived by his wife, Carole, their sons, and many former students, swimmers, family members, and friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to help children and families in need.
Pat is and was one of a kind. I don’t know anyone who was capable of making so many people smile purely by presence and anticipation of what he might say. His sense of humor was humbling and taught swimmers the balance of seriousness and light hardness needed for long term fulfillment in our sport.
Thoughts and prayers to his family. Coach Pat will always be remembered by the best memories.
Like the time he fell in mid race while coaching IL Age Group State. Only he could make that story funnier than the actual moment. Miss him already.
Wonderful person who my swimmers loved. Huge loss for the Naperville swim family
An absolute legend loved by countless individuals. Love to all the Pipers.
How sad, my condolences. Seemed like an amazing man.