John Richard Piper

John Richard Piper

John Richard Piper passed away peacefully on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026. John was born to Thomas (Tony) and Margaret (Margo) Piper on Feb. 4, 1944 in Ft. Sill, Okla. He married Charlene Mobilia Kerr in Perrysburg, Ohio in 2003 and moved to North East, Pa. in 2006.

John was an avid golfer and grew up playing at his all-time favorite course, the Clinton County Country Club in Lock Haven, Pa., winning the club championship in 1971. While John lived and worked in many places that he loved over the years, he always treasured Lock Haven and the memories of his family and growing up there in the world of aviation.

John loved his family and friends dearly. He was an optimist who always saw the best in others and in each situation or challenge. He sought ways to help and serve others, and he did so happily without expecting or asking for anything in return. He was always up for fun and would play cards and board games with his grandchildren for countless hours each visit. Even during his years of battling dementia, he maintained his joyful demeanor and delighted in the sweet moments of each day.

John’s faith was vital to him. He grew up in the church, and his love of the Lord grew during his adult years. He died knowing that he was going home to Jesus and that brought both him and his family much joy and peace.

John is the grandson of William T. Piper, who founded Piper Aircraft. John spent the majority of his professional career in the aviation business, starting with Piper Aircraft in 1967. John served as manager of Manufacturing Engineering for Piper Aircraft’s three plants in Pa., then as manager of its international assembly programs. He later helped establish operations in Colombia, Argentina, Brazil and Poland. He was the program director for the development of the Piper Tomahawk.

John left Piper Aircraft in 1979, nine years after the Piper family lost control of Piper Aircraft as a result of an unfriendly takeover. He then worked for Beech Aircraft in both Salina and Wichita, Kan. until 1988, when he rejoined Piper Aircraft located in Vero Beach, Fla. He became President of Piper North, but the company did not survive the declining general aviation industry. It later re-emerged as The New Piper Aircraft in 1994.

John became an independent consultant in 1991, consulting for Swearingen Aircraft, Fairchild Aircraft, Toyota Aviation USA, the US Trade and Development Agency, Price Waterhouse-Moscow Office, Allied Signal and Navion Aircraft. After retiring from his aviation career, he worked at Poggemeyer Design Group and CMK Planning in marketing, planning and economic development.

John received his undergraduate degree from Oberlin College, where he played on its golf team, and his MBA from the University of Virgina’s Darden School. He is survived by his wife Char and his daughter Avery, her husband, Billy Craig and their children Will, Ben, Matthew, Josh, Cali and Katy, all of Harrisonburg Va. He is also survived by Char’s son, Stephen Kerr and his wife, Maggie, and their children, Ramona and Calvin of Madison, Wis.

John’s parents and his brothers, Tom and Bill, predeceased him. He is survived by his daughter and her family, and Char’s family: Cindy (Bob Stoothoff), Nick Mobilia (Kathy), Phil Mobilia (Summer), David Mobilia and Jean (Mark Caola) and their many children. He is also survived by many step children and step grandchildren, who he treasured in various phases of his life.

John was active in many organizations during his time in North East including North East in Bloom, Downtown North East, Common Ground Youth Center, St. Gregory Church and the Sports Hall of Fame. John would willingly give the shirt off his back for a friend in need, and he did so often.

Calling hours are from 3-7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 20, 2026 at Elkin Funeral Home on South Lake Street. There will be a mass at St. Gregory Church on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. Please send condolences to elkinfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, feel free to make donations in John’s memory to:

The Piper Aviation Museum, 1 Piper Way, Lock Haven Pa. 17745; North East in Bloom, 44 West Main Street, North East, Pa. 16428;

Community Nursing Services, 7 Park Street, North East, Pa. 16428; or St. Gregory Parish, 140 West Main Street, North East, Pa. 16428.

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