Henry Peper III

Henry Peper III, of Marblehead, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully, and surrounded by family and friends, on August 5, 2024, at the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers. Son of the late Henry Peper, Jr., and Jean (Buckley) Peper, he was born on November 28, 1957, in Englewood, NJ.
Following his graduation in California, where he enjoyed surfing and where he began his career as a fine carpenter, he relocated with his family to Marblehead, a place he grew to love for its small-town atmosphere and its simple lifestyle. It became his permanent home and the place in which he established his business as an independent contractor.
Many on the North Shore are the beneficiaries of his exquisite work with wood; he loved what he did and cherished the long-term friendships he developed with those with whom he worked. Always willing to help where he was needed, he traveled to St. Croix to help the devastated island rebuild after Hurricane Hugo. Following a long career, Henry semi-retired in 2022.
On September 24, 2011, Henry married Marguerite Frank after a four-year courtship. Together, they enjoyed a life filled with music and travel. Most recently they enjoyed the delights of Ireland, and visited Memphis, Tennessee.
Henry was a man who loved adventure and the sea was in his blood. He shared the family passion for sailing and could often be found on the water cruising or racing and winning regattas on their Gulfstar 40- "Magic" and the Rhodes 19- "Chili" in Marblehead and the Caribbean.
Henry had a passion for a good game of pool and was always game to take on a challenger. He loved music, favoring the Steve Miller Band, Santana, Van Morrison, James Brown, Bob Marley, and AC/DC. He was truly in his element every July 4 when the Marblehead Festival of Arts showcased a variety of musical talent at Crocker Park. Never content to sit, he always managed to find-and enjoy-the dance floor with Marguerite. Later in life Henry also developed a passion for cooking--his soups, stews, beef stroganoff and chili were a few his favorite recipes. He even had a chef hat that read "Stand back Papa's Cookin'.
Those who knew Henry have described him as kind, gentle, honest, and fun-loving, and that he certainly was. He adored talking with people and was genuinely interested in their stories.
Henry Peper III is survived by his wife, Marguerite (Frank) Peper, his siblings-brother, Sam Peper (wife, Cathy Carew-Peper); sister, Sarah (Sally) Peper Tompkins (husband Stephen P. Tompkins); his nieces and nephews Nick, Samantha and Hanna Peper; Caroline (Cricket) and Coles (Buck) Tompkins of which he shared many memorable moments and adventures with each of them.
Henry leaves an impression on his friends, family, and the larger community of which he was an important part. He will be deeply missed by all.
Those wishing to memorialize and honor Henry may do so at a Celebration of Life at the Mason's Philanthropic Lodge, 62 Pleasant Street, Marblehead, on Saturday, September 7, from 4:00-7:00 pm. Parking is available in the adjacent parking lot.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Henry Peper III to the Marblehead Animal Shelter, 44 Village Street, in Marblehead (marblehead-animal-shelter.org), or the American Cancer Society, would be gratefully received.
For more information or online guestbook, please visit www.MurphyFuneralHome.com or call 978-744-0497.
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