Francis J. "Pep" Pepper Sr.

Francis J. "Pep" Pepper, Sr., 86, of Worcester and Westerly, R.I. passed away Wednesday, October 15th 2008 in the University of Massachusetts Hospital with family by his side.

Francis is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Beatrice "Bea" (Albrizio) Pepper; two devoted children, Paula Pepper and her husband Ken Braun of Westerly R.I., Francis J. Pepper, Jr. and his wife Ann of Worcester; two cherished grandchildren, Alicia and Alex Pepper; a sister, Adele Richmond of Attleboro; many nieces and nephews. Francis was born in Worcester, one of seven children born to Frank and Anna (DeSantis) Pepper. He graduated from Commerce High school where he was a standout in Baseball, served in the U.S. Coast Guard during World War II in the North African Theatre, and has lived here all his life.

Pep worked more than 40 years as a shipper for Wyman-Gordon Company Grafton Plant before retiring.

He was a member of Our Lady of Rosary Church, and a former member of UNICO Club of Worcester. Pep was a great comical story teller. A quiet man who most enjoyed his family and the many summers spent at Misquamicut Beach. At onetime he was a youth Baseball coach and umpire.

Funeral services will be held Friday, October 17th at 11:30 a.m. in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. Burial will be in St. John's Cemetery. Friends and relatives are invited to visit with the family, Thursday, October 16th from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the funeral home.