William D. "Bill" Pepper

WORCESTER- William D. "Bill" Pepper, 80, of Worcester, passed away Wednesday, March 7, 2018 at home, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Winchendon, son of Charles J. and Catherine M. (Moriarty) Pepper, graduated from Sacred Heart Academy and then joined the Navy. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War and then served in the Navy Reserves until 1969. Bill worked for UPS for 30 years retiring in 1998.

Besides being the best gramps, pop and poppy to his grandchildren, Bill was a diehard Patriots fan. Although the Patriots took priority over other teams, he was a true hometown sports fan. Pennsylvania Dutch Country and the North Carolina Beaches were his favorite travel spots, but one could always find him working on crossword puzzles wherever he was. He had a true passion for wolves, and that love for those animals will not be forgotten by those who knew Bill. His grandchildren will forever remember him as "the human dictionary."

Bill will be dearly missed by his beloved wife of 55 years, Geraldine M. "Gerry" (Savko) Pepper; his two daughters, Lisa M. O'Connell and her husband Kenneth of Charlton and Laurie A. LaDou and her husband Jeff of Worcester; a sister, Rita Pepper and her companion Paul of CT; seven grandchildren, Patrick W. O'Connell of Charlton, Kimberly A. O'Connell of OH, Ashley A. LaDou of Worcester and her significant other Mitchell Colon, Christopher W. LaDou of Worcester and his significant other Katelyn LaFlash, and Erin R., Cara A. and James L. O'Connell, all of Charlton. Bill was predeceased by two brothers, Charles J. Pepper, Jr. and John "Jack Pepper, and five sisters, Marilyn Brown, Betty Ann Carguilo, Margaret Gay, Catherine McDonald and Mary Bedard.

Bills family would like to thank the caring staff at Beacon Hospice, especially his nurses, Lisa, Casey and Helen who brightened his day when they arrived.

Family and friends are invited to attend visiting hours from 4 to 7 pm on Friday, March 9th at FAY BROTHERS Funeral Home, 1 West Boylston Street, West Boylston. A Funeral Mass to celebrate Bill's life will be held at 10am on Saturday, March 10th at Immaculate Conception Church, 353 Grove Street, Worcester. Burial in Woodlawn Cemetery in Princeton will take place in the Spring. Flowers may be sent or donations in Bill's memory may be made out to The Amedisys Foundation and mailed to Beacon Hospice, 36 Williams Street, Leominster, MA 01453.