Robert B. Peppler, Sr.

Robert B. Peppler Sr., 87, of Allentown, NJ passed away Tuesday, July 7, 2026. Born in Trenton, he resided in Allentown for his entire lifetime until recently moving to Meadow Lakes in Hightstown 3 months ago. After graduating in 1957 from Bordentown Military Institute, located in Bordentown, NJ, Bob attended Albright College for three years until 1960 when he decided to join his father and brother in the family business. He then enrolled in the Eckels College of Mortuary Science, graduating in 1961. Following his father Norman’s retirement, he and his brother Edgar partnered to run Peppler Funeral Home, until Bob’s retirement in 2004.

Bob loved Allentown—he had many fond memories of growing up in Allentown and later raising his family there, and was exceptionally devoted to the town’s livelihood. Throughout the years he partook in many community activities, serving as a coach for the Allentown Little League from 1964 to 1968, a member of the Hope Fire Company from 1963 to 1974, a longtime member and past president of the Allentown Lion’s Club and a dedicated member of the Allentown United Methodist Church. He also sat on the Board of Directors for the Allentown Savings and Loan for 15 years, ending his tenure in 1995; served as an overseer and Treasurer for the Allentown Methodist Cemetery for 41 years, until 2006; and served as a councilman for the Borough of Allentown from 1968 to 1973.

Outside of his involvement in the Allentown community, Bob was a member of Mount Moriah Lodge #28 F. & A.M. since 1962. He was a member of the Mercer County Funeral Directors Association, serving as President from 1971 to 1972; served on Crosswicks Insurance Company’s Board of Directors for 18 years until 2001; and was on the Board of Trustees for the Friends of the Old Yellow Meeting House from 2015 to 2022.

Bob loved gardening, taking care of the yard and his Sear’s Prefab home on Main Street. He enjoyed golfing, vacationing with his family—especially summers in Vermont or at the shore—and had a love/hate relationship with the New York Mets and the Philadelphia Eagles. In his retirement, Bob discovered a strong affinity for researching his family’s genealogy, spending many hours organizing and sharing his findings. However, his greatest joy was his grandchildren. He was so proud of all they did and loved watching them grow into amazing adolescents and young adults. His grilled cheese sandwiches were world-renowned, especially adored by his grandchildren.

Son of the late Norman Thomas and Elizabeth Clayton Peppler (nee Wilson), he was predeceased by his loving wife of 48 years, Judith K. Peppler, and by his brother, Ronald C. Peppler. Bob is survived by his children and their spouses, Robert Jr. and Lori Peppler, Karen Peppler, and Brian and Crystal Peppler; his beloved grandchildren, Emma C. Peppler, Thomas “TJ” Peppler, Alexis A. Peppler, and Jackson E. Peppler; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Edgar and Jacqueline Peppler and Richard and Patricia Peppler; his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, John and Ann Coll, Patty and Ed Matthews, John Smith, and Mary Coll; and his cousins, Donald and Ginny Peppler, as well as many nieces and nephews.

A viewing will be held on Monday, July 13th from 5-8pm at the Peppler Funeral Home, 114 S. Main St., Allentown. A funeral will be held on Tuesday, July 14th at 11am at the Peppler Funeral Home as well. Interment will be private at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Bob’s name to the Allentown United Methodist Church, 23 Church St., Allentown, NJ or to the Allentown Public Library, 16 S Main St., PO Box 383, Allentown, NJ