Peter "Pepper" Stebbins

1964 - 2021

BORN

1964

DIED

2021

FUNERAL HOME

Informed Choice Funeral & Cremation Alternatives - Madison

3325 E. Washington Avenue

Madison, Wisconsin

Peter Stebbins Obituary

Stebbins, Peter William "Pepper" Jr.

MADISON – Peter William "Pepper" Stebbins Jr., age 56, died on Feb. 23, 2021, at Cottages of Madison. Pepper was born in Media, Pa., on Aug. 19, 1964, the eldest child of Peter W. Stebbins Sr. and Annette J. LeTendre Stebbins. He graduated from Kentucky Country Day School in Louisville, Ky., and attended Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond, Ky.

Pepper was always looking for adventure, which eventually took him to the city of Itacoatiara, Brazil, in the Amazon. He submerged himself in the culture and learned Portuguese by watching English-dubbed movies. It is there that he met the love of his life, Joana. They married, started a family, and remained there until 2008 when he brought his family back to Madison, Wis. His greatest achievement was that of being a loving husband and father. He was committed to his family and they to him, which was demonstrated many times over as together they fought the effects of corticobasal degeneration.

Pepper was a voracious reader, enjoyed watching movies of all genres, and loved to fish. Regarding the latter, in 2013, Pepper was asked to participate in National Geographic's King Fishers, where three anglers competed against each other for the title of King Fisher.

Like his mother, Pepper was interested in acting. He was an accomplished thespian, comic and improvisational actor. He performed with the Stagecoach Players, Happy Cadavers Band, Ark Theater, Actors Theater of Louisville, Act Now Productions, and Madison Comedy Club to name a few. He had an improv group, "Mixed Nuts," with an old dear childhood friend and is still remembered for his widely renowned spoof of the indigo girls called the "Indigo Guys." He was a great writer and creative soul. His work history included Raw Materials Manager for Carolina Industria, International Sales/Marketing Manager for Precious Woods Brazil, Director for Product Brazil International, and Founder/co-owner of Next Door Brewing Co.

Pepper is survived by his wife, Joana Câncio; and two daughters, "The Doos," Sienna Summer and Jillian River; father, Peter (Anna) Stebbins Sr.; brothers, Trevor Stebbins and his daughters, Lucy and Molly, and Matthew Stebbins (Jessica) and their daughter, Marion; mother-in-law, Dolores Câncio; brother-in-law, Joao Câncio Neto; sisters-in-law, Rosana Câncio, Rosimeire Câncio (Nadilson), Rosivalda Câncio, and Rosenira Câncio; aunt, Cheri Susnar; uncle, Don (Deven) LeTendre; and many dear cousins. He was preceded in death by his mother, Annette LeTendre Stebbins; father-in-law, Joao Câncio; grandparents, Elizabeth and Don LeTendre and Dorothy and Walter Stebbins; and uncles, Byron "Tony" Stebbins and Robert Susnar.

We want to thank all of Pepper's friends who never forgot him when his health declined and he was no longer able to communicate. Your friendship and loyalty meant so much to Pepper and our family. A celebration of Pepper's life will be held at a later date. Donations may be made through Edvest for the Doos' education at www.ugift529.com. Please contact Trevor Stebbins for codes and details, [email protected].

Pepper, you loved people, family, life, and a good party. May you have cremora walls blazing in your memory for eternity as a symbol of our love for you.

"Eu te amarei para sempre meu Pepper." - Jô

Informed Choice Funeral

& Cremation Alternatives

3325 E. Washington Ave.

Madison (608) 249-6758

Published by Madison.com on Feb. 28, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Peter Stebbins

Sponsored by Informed Choice Funeral & Cremation Alternatives - Madison.

7 Entries

Ty Bjornson

October 28, 2025

During the summer of 1990, I had the distinction of becoming friends with Pepper. I was looking to purchase a Super VHS (S-VHS) at American TV on the Beltline. Pepper was my sales rep. We had a fantastic conversation about movies and acting. He invited me to a party at his Gorham Street place and to his comedy show on State Street. I made it to the comedy show. Hilarious!

Throughout the years, it was my privilege to have stayed in contact with Pepper. We both went separate ways to live life on our terms. It was great to meet up with Pepper from time to time.

The last time I saw Pepper was at the brew pub that he co-owned on Atwood Avenue.

Coincidentally, I have a good friend who had gone to high school with Pepper's mom as well. If I remember the story right, my friend had lived in Maple Bluff about the same time as Annette during HS.

In any regard, when I think of Pepper, he was a stand-up guy. No pun intended, as he had been a improvisational actor. Pepper was genuine, sincere, hard-working and someone worth knowing. So very good-natured and incredibly talented.

I'm truly saddened that he is gone. As of this writing, it has been about four years.

May Continued Blessings, Healing, Love, Comfort & Peace be Upon Pepper's Loved Ones, Family & Friends.

With the Utmost Regard &
Deepest Sympathy,
~ Ty

Mac McGill

August 2, 2025

Many years later I am still thinking of my old friend. His friends from ATL shared memories of him in a private chat. We once took an unforgettable road trip together to go hang out in Chicago. We were in communication close to the time of his passing and I gave what comfort I could. A beautiful, humorous and charismatic presence that I have missed having in my life since we departed ATL almost four decades ago. A little piece of his soul lives in me and I am privileged to have it.

Rochelle Franson

March 3, 2021

Annett´s home was magical and there's where I met her charming, kind sons. Annette always the consummate hostess, working on innumerable projects, adored having her boys and their families visit.
When Pepper came with his beautiful shy bride she was so happy for her beloved son to find love. I remember such a funny, doting father and husband and a devoted son. I feel so blessed to have had my life intersect with his and his families through that beautiful, creative, clever, kind Annette; a singular friend to me.
Now released from this mortal coil to transition into the realm we know not of, I know his spirit freed from the pain of this life will flow around his beloved children and wife, helping them move through sorrow. His spirit will watch over them forever.

John Rock

March 1, 2021

Our sympathies to your family. Got to know Pepper from earlier Madison days, so much positive energy, always.
RIP Pepper.
John Rock