After graduating St. Anthony Catholic School and Don Bosco Tech, Pepe served with the U.S. Air Force from 1963-1967. Afterward, he completed classes at Teterboro School of Aeronautics and was a mechanic for American Airlines for 42 years.

"His greatest enjoyment came from vacationing in Hawaii and spending time with family, especially his grandchildren," information from the funeral home noted.

Pepe is survived by his wife of 49 years, Cynthia (Goodin) Pepe; daughter Joline Pepe; grandchildren Dylan and Zachary; siblings Marianne Lawrence, and Guy Pepe and his wife Marie; nieces Michele Aquadro and her husband Charles, and Marissa Pepe; and great-nephew Joseph and great-niece Elizabeth Aquadro.

Visiting hours will be from 3-8 p.m.on Friday, July 1, at Vander Plaat-Caggiano Funeral Home, 13-31 Saddle River Rd., in Fair Lawn. A 9:30 a.m. funeral mass will be held on Saturday at St. Philip the Apostle Church, 488 Saddle River Rd., in Saddle Brook. A private cremation service will follow.

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