Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Obituary

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – Ed Hepe, an original member of the Slippery Rock University Athletics Hall of Fame board and a 1987 inductee into the hall, passed away Friday night at the Butler Memorial Hospital.

“Ed was a special person,” said Paul Lueken, director of athletics. “He was a member of the Hall of Fame board from the beginning. His career here as a student-athlete, his story, and his dedication to the board will always be remembered.”

Hepe’s story remains an inspirational one to this day. After serving in the U.S. Air Force in World War II, Hepe enrolled at Slippery Rock as a 29 year old freshman. He was a standout football player, lettering three years and setting multiple records, including a 90-yard punt return for a touchdown against Muskingum in 1953. He also ran track at SRU.

Hepe went on to become a decorated high school basketball coach at McDonald and Fort Cherry High Schools. The highlight of that portion of his career coming when Fort Cherry won the state championship, becoming the first school from Washington County to win a PIAA title.

Hepe moved on to coach at Butler High School, where he also served as the school’s athletic director. He finished his career with an incredible 223-83 overall record. As the athletic director, he was integral in building the Butler Track and Field Invitational, which has become one of the top high school meets in the state.

He was inducted into the Butler Sports Hall of Fame in 1985 before being enshrined in the SRU Hall of Fame in 1987 and the Washington County Sports Hall of Fame in 2003.

Calling hours for Hepes are set for Tuesday, July 6 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at the Thompson-Miller Funeral Home in Butler. The funeral service is set for 1 p.m. Wednesday.

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