Frank Patrick Pepe Jr. affectionately called “Pepe” or “Pep,” died of kidney failure and brain cancer at home on the Shinnecock Indian Reservation on November 6, 2019. He chose to die at his home on the Reservation, under the care of hospice surrounded by his family including his wife, Doreen, and daughter Elly. When he died he was in his beloved “man cave” looking at the beautiful view of each morning’s serene sunrise over the water along East Creek Way.
Mr. Pepe was the son of the late Frank Patrick Sr. and Elvira Pepe. He was born July 14, 1942 in Plainfield, New Jersey, and served in the U.S. Navy as a seaman on a submarine for four years. For his service, he earned a Good Conduct medal, and was honorably discharged on May 31, 1963.
He worked in Edison, New Jersey, for Ford Motor Company as a lineman for 14 years and during Ford’s period of shutdown, he went to school and learned heating and air conditioning technology. He then opened his own business called F & M Heating and Air and continued to run the business until his retirement in 2014. Upon retirement he settled on the Shinnecock Reservation with his wife, Doreen.
Mr. Pepe will be remembered for his love of fishing, clamming, and crabbing with his friends and family, especially the children. His favorite place was the dock in front of his home on Heady Creek. He was also admired for the way he cared for his beautiful lawn. He was a great cook and baker with specialties such as chicken and dumplings, carrot cake, and apple pie that was always measured to perfection.
He had a love and knowledge of the Bible; he was a member of the Shinnecock Presbyterian Church and enjoyed attending services.
Mr. Pepe is survived by his wife, Doreen Dennis-Pepe; mother-in-law Dorothy Dennis; and his Shinnecock Nation family, including children, Nichole and Keith; grandchildren, Keynu, Dominque, and Alaya; and great-granddaughter, Avery. He is also survived by his daughter, Elly Schneider; and his grandchildren, Mandy, Leah, Chasen, and Karis; and his brother, Eddie Terrazas; and sisters, Sandy and Shelly Terrazas; daughter Lorna; and son Sydney. He is also survived by sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, and friends, including Bill and Linda who were there with him at the end. He was predeceased by his daughter, Anna; his grandson, Andre; and dear friend Ralph Eleazer, who introduced Frank to his future family at Shinnecock.
Funeral arrangements were under the direction of the Brockett Funeral Home in Southampton.
27east on Nov 11, 2019