Francis J. "Pep" Pepper

Francis J. "Pep" Pepper, Jr., 63 of Worcester, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 13, 2014 at Rose Monahan Hospice Residence surrounded by his loving family after a two and half year battle with lung cancer. Francis is survived by his wife of 28 years, Ann M. (Carbonneau) Pepper; his son, Alex F. Pepper; his daughter, Alicia M. Pepper both of Worcester; his mother, Beatrice (Albrizio) Pepper of Worcester; his sister, Paula Pepper and her husband Kenneth Braun of Newton, MA; he also leaves behind four cherished nieces, nephews, and many close extended family members. Francis was born in Worcester, a son of the late Francis J. Pepper, Sr. and graduated from Saint Stephen's High School. He worked in the maintenance department for the Worcester Housing Authority for thirty-three years before he retired in 2011 due to his illness. He also ran a cleaning business at Vernon Medical Center in Worcester for thirty years. Francis was a member of Saint Christopher Church. Pep was an avid sports fan, who watched his beloved Patriots and Celtics religiously. His knowledge of sports trivia is unmatched. He spent many years volunteering as a basketball coach at the Friendly House, and also coached his sons little league baseball teams. He served in the National Guard in 1971, stationed at Fort Dix. He spent most his summers at Misquamicut Beach with his family. Pep was a beloved father who loved spending time with his family. Always talking about his kids accomplishments. He was so proud of them both. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. James O'Shea, nurses and staff of the Rose Monahan Hospice Residence for their relentless efforts on behalf of Francis and for giving him peace and comfort during his last days. Services for Francis will be held on Thursday, April 17, 2014 from the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St., Worcester with a Liturgy of the Word Service at 10:30 a.m. at Saint Christopher's Church, 950 West Boylston Street, Worcester. Burial will be private. A period of calling hours will be held on Wednesday, April 16th from 4-7 p.m. in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, Francis has requested that all contributions be made to his son's college fund, Alex Pepper College Fund, c/o Bank of America, 91 West Boylston St., West Boylston 01583. To share your thoughts and memories of Francis, please visit his personal guestbook at: www.mercadantefuneral.com.