Dale Pepper

Cape Elizabeth - Dale W. Pepper, 84, passed away peacefully, on Monday, February 17, 2025 at Gosnell House, surrounded by his loving family.
Dale was born on January 10, 1941, to Barbara R. Pepper and Eugene W. Pepper, in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
As an infant, his family moved to Montclair, New Jersey. He graduated from Montclair High School in 1959. In 1963, he met the love of his life, Ann Ventura. They married on August 1, 1965 and started a family. In 1972, after their two daughters were born they made the move to Maine. They purchased a home from his cousin, on Preble Street in South Portland, where they then settled for 48 years. In 2020, he and his wife moved to Cape Elizabeth.
As a senior in high school, he won first prize in a driving rodeo. He had a true passion for cars, driving and car gadgets. It would make sense that he spent 33 years working at the Mill Creek NAPA Auto Parts store, upon moving to Maine. There he became acquainted with many locals who referred to him as " NAPA Dale". Dale retired from NAPA in 2006.
Along with cars, Dale had a love of many things. His greatest, besides his wife and family, was driving long distances. He and Ann would be known to take off on the weekends and drive to the White Mountains of New Hampshire, to the top of Mount Washington and the Kancamagus Highway just for fun! Most of the time, he would drive with no real destination, he would drive just to drive. Many times he drove, non-stop to Florida to visit his best friend. Bailey Island was a favorite destination, as he summered there since childhood. It always had a special place in his heart.
Two important things Dale taught his family was how to persevere, and the importance of a strong work ethic. He went through many personal health struggles from a very early age. He never gave up and overcame them all until the most recent ones.
Dale was predeceased by his parents and his faithful furry friend of 19 years, Kai. He is survived by his wife of 59 1/2 years, Ann, sister LeRay Bassett and husband Mike, daughters LeRay Pepper- Poore and husband Randy, Nikki Pepper and husband Tim Durgan, grandsons Dominic Moulton and wife Hannah, Andrew Moulton and wife Samantha, Nicholas Moulton and wife Lindsay, Anthony Moulton and wife Riley, Bailey Sawyer and Camden Sawyer, great grandson Caden Moulton and great granddaughter Scottie Moulton, and many other close family members and friends that were like family to him. He was anxiously awaiting another great granddaughter due in June.
The Pepper family would like to extend special thanks to niece Kim Dolan and Demia Robinson, Dale's home care aid for their loving care and comfort during his last weeks.
Flowers are appreciated or donations can be made, in memory of Dale, to the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland, 217 Landing Rd. Westbrook, Me 04092
Arrangements by Hobbs Funeral Home, 230 Cottage Road, South Portland, Maine.
Visitation on Friday, February 21, 2025 from 2-4 P.M. Service at 4 P.M. followed by a reception at Elizabeth Hobbs Hospitality Center at the same address.