Johnathan Pebley

Johnathan Pebley was born on July 21, 1985, in Wiesbaden, Germany. In 1987, he returned to the United States with his parents, settling in Wakefield, Massachusetts, where he spent his childhood. A proud graduate of Wakefield High School, Class of 2004, Johnathan answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Marine Corps in 2005.

During his service with the 1st Marine Division, he was deployed twice to Iraq between 2005 and 2009. Johnathan saw active combat and returned home safely, earning the respect of his comrades for his courage and composure. Following his honorable discharge in 2009, Johnathan's sense of adventure led him across the globe. He lived and traveled in Alaska, Australia, Indonesia, France, and many other parts of the world. His magnetic charm, quick wit, and sincere heart left a lasting impact everywhere he went, forging deep and lasting friendships across continents.

Those who knew Johnathan will remember his fierce loyalty, razor-sharp humor—often tinged with sarcasm—and boundless energy. He lived life without reservation, bringing joy, laughter, and just the right amount of mischief to every moment.

In July 2024, guided by his deep sense of justice and compassion, Johnathan enlisted in the Ukrainian Foreign Legion to support the people of Ukraine in their fight against Russian aggression. Believing strongly that the invasion was an attack on innocent lives, he committed himself to their defense. Known for his steadiness under pressure and unbreakable spirit, he earned the callsign "MAYHEM" and quickly rose to the role of team leader. He led several successful missions inside Russia and commanded troops in the trenches near Zaporizhzhia.

Tragically, Johnathan lost his life while shielding his teammates from a Russian drone strike—true to his character, ensuring others made it to safety before himself.

Johnathan is survived by his mother, Nora Hill, and her husband, Scott, of Red Bluff, California; his father, Mark Pebley, and his wife, Carolyn, of Venice, Florida; his brothers, Clifford Pebley and wife Tonya of St. Albans, Vermont, and Scott McDonough and wife Ellen of Las Vegas, Nevada; and his beloved grandmother, Marie Pebley of Venice, Florida. He is also survived by his aunts Kristin, Jackie, and Marilyn; his cousins Griffin, Skylar, Jill, Laurie, and Nicole; his nephew, Connor; and his nieces, Isabella, Maya, Nieko, Nohmi, and Raema.

Johnathan was truly the life of every party—a master of mischief and a source of unrelenting joy. His laughter, stories, and love of life will be missed by all who were lucky enough to know him.

Visitation for relatives and friends will be held at the McDonald Funeral Home, 19 Yale Ave., Wakefield on Friday August 8 from 3:00 - 6:00 p.m. 

Donation in Johnathan’s honor can be made to the R.T. Weatherman Foundation

(weathermanfoundation.org) or The Wounded Warrior Project (support.woundedwarriorproject.org)