Richard J. Pepper, 77, passed away Sunday, June 26, 2011 at Capital Health System-Fuld Campus, in Trenton, with his family by his side. Born in Hampton, Iowa, he was raised in Seattle, Washington, before moving to Trenton in 1968. He resided in Mercerville since 1983. He retired as a welder/machinist with the Mercer County Motor Pool. Richard was a member of the Our Lady of Sorrows / St. Anthony's Parish, Mt. Moriah Lodge #28 F & AM of Bordentown, and the Scottish Rite, Valley of Central Jersey. He was an avid coin collector, passionate dog lover, pool player, enjoyed working with wood, and was always there to lend a hand regardless of what the situation may be. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends.

Son of the late LeRoy and Zina Pepper and beloved son-in-law of the late Thomas and Angelina Petito,  he is survived by his beloved wife of 42 years, Maria G. Pepper (nee Petito); his two sons and daughter-in-law, James T. and Sherry Pepper of Stroudsburg, PA and Andre' T. Pepper of Mercerville; his sister, Ramona Carpenter of Linden, WA.; his two brothers-in-law, Ferdinand and his wife Elaine Petito of Alexandria, VA and Thomas V. Petito of Rising Sun, MD;  grandchildren, Kierstin, Nicholas, Caitlin and Dominic Pepper; several nieces and nephews; special friend and care giver Brenda Schumm; close helpful neighbors, Thomas and Carrie Lertch as well as many many close friends.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated, 11 am Thursday, June 30, at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, 3816 East State Street Ext., Hamilton. Friends may call Wednesday evening 6 to 9 pm at the Peppler Funeral Home, 122 Crosswicks St, Bordentown. Masonic Services will be at 7 pm . Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family.