Anthony Joseph Pepe

Anthony Joseph Pepe, affectionately known as Pepe, passed away on May 22, 2026, in Port Charlotte, Florida, at the age of 87. Born on July 24, 1938, in East Boston, he was a longtime resident of Revere, Massachusetts before retiring to Punta Gorda, Florida. His wife, Frances “Fran” (Sheehan) Pepe, was the love of his life. From the beginning, they knew they were meant to be together. Always a gentleman, Pepe arrived for dates with an orchid corsage and made Fran laugh until her face hurt. They shared more than 51 years of marriage, building a life filled with laughter, hard work, and devotion to family.

Pepe was a force: warm, funny, generous, and full of surprises. He had a way of making everyone feel welcome and could turn strangers into friends. He loved to dance and proudly told Fran that his three lessons at Fred Astaire Dance Studio were all he needed to show her the way around a dance floor. He loved to travel, experience different ways of life, and photograph the world around him. He could easily use a roll or two of film on an outing, especially if he spotted a costumed character willing to pose for a picture with him.

A true jack of all trades, Pepe served in the United States Army and later worked for many years in HVAC at Raytheon. At home, he was happiest tinkering quietly in the garage, repairing something others might have given up on: a lawnmower, a moped, a child’s toy, or one of the RCA 45-rpm record players he taught himself to refurbish after retirement. He was also a lifelong coin collector who took great pleasure in creating displays and coin sets to give away. Like so much of what he did, his collection became a way to connect with people and recognize acts of kindness.

Pepe lived with curiosity, humor, and a deep appreciation for life. He loved music, animals, making up songs, and being surrounded by his family. His five grandchildren brought him tremendous joy, whether they were playing in the pool, hunting for frogs and lizards, or marching down the street together in the family’s New Year’s Eve pots-and-pans parade. He leaves behind a legacy of warmth, generosity, and kindness, along with the reminder to notice beauty, lend a helping hand, and find joy in the everyday.

He was the son of the late Pasqualina (Grieco) Pepe and Joseph Pepe, both of Bonito, Italy, and was predeceased by his siblings, Alexander “Sonny” Pepe, Joseph Pepe, and Anna Blair. He is survived by his beloved wife, Frances; his daughter, Toni Pepe Dan, and her husband, Alexander Dan; his son, Michael Pepe, and his wife, Jessica Pepe; his cherished grandchildren, August, Emmett, Marigold, Lina, and Natalia; his sister, Gilda Morgan, his sister-in-law Marie Pepe; and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral Mass will be held on July 9, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 211 W Charlotte Ave., Punta Gorda, Florida 33950 His ashes will be laid to rest at 2:00 p.m. at Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Rd 72, Sarasota Florida 34241

Those wishing to honor Pepe’s memory are encouraged to carry forward his generous spirit by offering a small act of kindness to someone else.