Michael Pepin, 66, of Auburn, NH, passed away Thursday, April 23, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on June 5, 1959, in Berlin, NH, the son of Norman and Pauline (Cote) Pepin. Michael was a skilled craftsman, best known for his career as a tile setter and custom shower designer. He proudly owned and operated NH Tile Installation for more than 30 years. His dogs, Maggie and Zoey, were often by his side on the job site, riding comfortably in the passenger seat of his box truck. Nearly every summer of his life was spent on Lake Umbagog, a place that shaped who he was. In his youth he could be found camping on the lake or helping his parents operate Pepin’s Cottages. As an adult, he continued his parents’ lakeside traditions by hosting family and friends at his own waterfront camp and personal sanctuary in Deer Cove. Michael, a natural leader and athlete, captained both the hockey and football teams at Berlin High School, from which he graduated in 1977.
His competitive nature extended well beyond high school, fueling his enthusiasm for coaching youth sports, traveling for competitive cheerleading, and playing Backgammon with his partner, Karen. He and his late wife, Mona, were thrill seekers, excelling together at downhill skiing, waterskiing, scuba diving, white water rafting, and later, snowboarding. He battled courageously through various health challenges, which never impeded his spirit or his ability to tackle home improvement projects. Above all, he was a passionate father, grandfather, and uncle, sharing his time, knowledge and generosity with those who depended on him. His strength, determination, and laughter will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.
He is survived by his three children, Nicole (Pepin) Burrows and her husband Connor, Tyler Pepin and his husband Timothy Ragan, and Bryce Pepin and his partner Dalton Tadeu; two grandchildren, Raelynn and Wyatt; his partner, Karen Monette Gallagher; sister, Linda Desilets; four nieces, Melissa Eames, Kimberly Redden, Laura Bruno, and Sarah Gallant; two nephews John Desilets and Joshua Gallant. He was predeceased by his wife, Mona Pepin in 2021.
Calling hours will be held on Thursday, April 30, 2026, from 3:00pm to 7:00pm in the Peabody Funeral Homes & Crematorium, 15 Birch St., Derry, NH. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, May 1, 2026, at 10:00am in St. Pius X Church, 575 Candia Rd, Manchester, NH 03109. Memorial contributions may be made to benefit rheumatology care at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Development Office 263 Huntington Ave., #318, Boston, MA 02115 or to benefit oncology treatment at Dana- Farber Cancer Institute, PO Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284.