Obituaries

Frank Albert Schleper, of Villa Hills, Kentucky, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 22, 2026, with his family by his side. He was well-cared for by the loving staff at Emerald Trace.

He lived a life full of joy and love, family and friends, and a multitude of wide-ranging pursuits and interests. “Al,” as he was known since he was a little boy, was born March 2, 1926, in Covington, the son of the late Elizabeth (Bettie) and Frank H. Schleper. Al was preceded in his passing by his beloved wife and soulmate of 62 years, Shirley Jean Schleper, and his younger sister, Dorothy (Dottie) Fliehman.

When Al began dating the love of his life, Shirley Jean Good, the pair quickly became inseparable. Al and Shirley married on October 18, 1947, and raised five children, all of whom survive him: Thomas Schleper and his wife Tish; Michael Schleper and his wife Maura; Gloria (Schleper) Guilfoile and her husband Tim; David Schleper and his wife Leigh Anne; and Brian Schleper and his wife Bridget.

Al is survived by eleven grandchildren, all of whom adored him: Brandon Klar and his wife Susie; Lauren Klar and her husband Neil Marquardt; Nathan Klar; Steven Schleper and his wife Lauren; Alison (Schleper) Lawrence and her husband Brennan; Julie Schleper; Jason Schleper and his wife Jessica; Mitchell Schleper and his wife Meleah Honeycutt; Amanda Schleper and her husband Jared Kerth; Brent Schleper and his wife Casey; and Caleb Schleper. He also is survived by eleven great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and many dear friends.

Al was a devoted family man. His five children knew that being with family, especially time gathered around the dinner table, was treasured. Al and Shirley hosted many backyard BBQs with their children and grandchildren. He truly embodied what it meant to be there for family and for anyone in need. Al valued education and started multiple scholarship funds to ensure others would receive the same education that his children did.

Al’s unwavering dedication to his family defined his many accomplishments. After graduating from Holmes High School in 1944, he felt a strong calling to serve his country and enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps as a pilot. His time in the military shaped his character, instilling in him the discipline, leadership, and unwavering work ethic that aided him in starting his own construction company in 1970, Al Schleper & Associates. He took great pride in building a company that not only provided for his family but also supported the community. He served many years on the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport Board. Al was a devout Catholic, a member of Blessed Sacrament Church, and the 2004 recipient of the Bishop William A. Hughes Award and the Saint Thomas More Medallion.

His kind, gentle soul made him a friend to all who knew him. Al loved to travel! In his younger years, the Schleper family spent time at their cabin in Warsaw where friends often joined them. Al and Shirley cherished the beaches of Siesta Key, taking family vacations there, until they eventually became snowbirds. Al loved the ocean and knew how to navigate the water. He enjoyed deep sea fishing and took great pleasure in his boating trips to the Keys and the Bahamas. Al and Shirley lived life fully, finding joy in every adventure as they traveled the world together. His favorite destinations were Italy, New Zealand, and Australia. Al was an avid reader and appreciated the arts, especially the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra and Broadway productions. After Shirley’s passing in 2008, Al and several of his neighbors, known as the “breakfast club,” met weekly at First Watch, his favorite breakfast location. While walking his dog, he never met a stranger. Al always enjoyed connecting with family and friends.

Loved by all, a man who would do anything to give a boost to family and friends, Frank “Al” Schleper will be dearly missed and leaves a rich legacy of family, good deeds, and accomplishments that will live on in the years ahead. May his memory be a blessing.

Visitation will take place on Thursday, February 26, 2026, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Mary, Seat of Wisdom Chapel in Crestview Hills, Kentucky. Mass to follow. Entombment will be at Saint Mary Cemetery Fort Mitchell, Kentucky, on Friday for immediate family.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Al Schleper’s memory can be made to the “Schleper Scholarship Fund” at Thomas More University, mail to 333 Thomas More Pkwy, Crestview Hills, KY 41017 or online at https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/41402/donations/new?a=7355115 (add “Schleper Scholarship Fund” as an alternate designation).