Russell "Skip" Charles Soper Jr.

Skip was born September 13, 1951, in Lowville, NY. He spent his childhood in Penn Yan, NY living on Keuka Lake. Skip graduated from Penn Yan Academy in 1970. He was president of his senior class and was a three-sport athlete, excelling at football, basketball, and tennis.

Skip continued to dominate on the tennis court at St. Lawrence University in Canton, NY, where he was a singles and doubles champion. He was an economics major, graduating in 1974, which led him to his life-long career in banking.

His banking career brought him to Buffalo, NY while working for Chase Manhattan, where he would meet his future wife, Susan. They married a year later on August 13, 1977, at beautiful Keuka Lake.

In 1980, Skip and Susan moved to Boca Raton, Florida where they became the parents of two beautiful daughters, Jennifer and Laura. Skip continued his banking career, where he became a Senior Vice President at Bank of America. In 1986 Skip and his family moved to Naples and in 1992 they welcomed their son Ryan.

He took such pride in his family, who brought him immense joy and happiness. His family was his greatest blessing.

Skip was an active member of the Chamber of Commerce and many other organizations. He continued with Bank of America and eventually joined Royal Palm Bank, fulfilling a life-long dream of community banking. He continued his title as Senior Vice President and was a respected, admired and well-loved member of the community.

Upon retiring from banking, Skip worked for the Pelican Bay Foundation, where he thoroughly enjoyed meeting many new friends and colleagues.

As a life-long sports enthusiast, Skip was an avid fan of the Cleveland Browns, New York Yankees, and Boston Celtics. He enjoyed playing golf, tennis, and good political conversation. He competed in multiple Pro-Am Tournaments with golf legends such as Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, and Gary Player.

Skip was predeceased by his father, Russell Charles Soper Sr. and his mother, Eloise Jean Soper.

Skip is survived by his beloved wife of 46 years, Susan, his two daughters Jennifer (Aaron) Cromer of Naples, FL and Laura (Rob) Williams of Naples, FL, his son Ryan (Erin) Soper of Greenville, SC and grandchildren Ethan and Sophia Cromer, Ella and Jackson Williams and Declan Soper. He is also survived by his sister, Victoria (Donald) Shipman. He was deeply loved and will be missed by many nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.

A celebration of life service is scheduled for Saturday, June 8, 2024 at 2:00 PM at Hodges Funeral Home at Naples Memorial Gardens, 525 111th Ave N, Naples, FL 34108.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hodgesfhatnaplesmg.com for the Soper family.