PHILIP F. PEPE – Of Woburn, died peacefully, Monday, January 6th, at the age of ninety-three. He was the beloved husband of Pauline J. (Barsanti) Pepe, with whom he shared 68 years of marriage. Born in Wayne, PA, Philip was one of eight children of the late Philip and Edith Pepe. He was a graduate of Radnor High School, where he played football for four years as the star quarterback and running back, earning admiration for his impressive strength and athleticism.
Following high school, Philip enlisted in the United States Navy for four years as a crewman, serving aboard the USS Bennington Aircraft Carrier. During his time in the Navy, he enjoyed being a barber for the crew and loved boxing, passions that brought him camaraderie and joy.
Philip met the love of his life, Pauline Barsanti, through correspondence during the Korean War. Their love story began with a three-cent stamp and blossomed into a 68-year marriage. They married in 1956, beginning a lifelong journey filled with love and devotion. Together, they shared a wonderful life filled with love and support, creating a strong foundation for their family. In 1958, they settled in North Woburn, Massachusetts, where they raised their five children. Philip worked at the Boston Navy Yard and later at the VA Hospital in Bedford, as a master carpenter. Philip had a genuine love for helping his children with projects at their homes and was always ready to lend a hand. You could often find him on a ladder, tinkering and making repairs at his home on Chester Avenue, a place he maintained with care and devotion.
Philip took immense pride in his children, celebrating their accomplishments in academics, sports, careers, and the beautiful families they built. In most recent years, he found great joy in supporting his grandchildren, cheering from the sidelines at sporting events, applauding their academic and artistic achievements, and always being their biggest cheerleader, offering constant pride and boundless love.
Philip`s deep Catholic faith was the foundation of his life, profoundly influencing his actions and values. As a devoted member of St. Anthony`s Parish, he was deeply engaged in the community, teaching CCD classes, assisting with the annual St. Anthony`s Festival, and helping with repairs and maintenance at the Church. Philip`s commitment extended beyond his parish, as he supported many Catholic causes with passion and dedication. He also found great joy in crafting rosary beads, which he lovingly shared with his family as a means of passing on the importance of faith and devotion.
A gentle and kind soul, Philip`s unwavering devotion to his family and faith left a lasting impression on everyone he encountered. His life was an inspiration to all who knew him, and his legacy of love, kindness, and steadfast faith will continue to live on in the many lives he touched.
Philip was the devoted father of Stephen Pepe and his wife Kathy of FL, Donna Keeley, her husband Walter of Woburn, Linda Lentini, her husband Carl of ME, Paula Clancy, her husband Steven of TN, and Brenda Cordeau, her husband Paul of Melrose. Affectionately called "Pepa" by his grandchildren, he was the cherished grandfather of Brandon Keeley, Danielle Gianino, Shaun Keeley, Amy Herra, Carlton Lentini, Philip Lentini, Ryan Cordeau, and Nicholas Cordeau. He is also survived by 13 beloved great-grandchildren, many loving nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend a funeral Mass celebrated in St. Anthony Church, 851 Main St., Woburn, Friday, January 17th at 10 a.m. Visiting hours at St. Anthony Church will be held prior to the Mass from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Interment services will be private. It has been requested that in lieu of flowers contributions in Philip's memory may be made to the Italian Home for Children, 1125 Centre St., Jamaica Plain, MA 02130. Arrangements by the McLaughlin - Dello Russo Family Funeral Service of Woburn.