Harry John Pepe

Harry John Pepe, Fairchance Area, Pa.

     Harry John Pepe, 86 of the Fairchance Area, Pa. passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side on Sunday, December 7, 2025.

     He was born December 27, 1938 in Uniontown, Pa. the son of the late Christopher A. Pepe and Beatrice Retilla Pepe.

     Preceding him in death in addition to his parents were his son, Richard W. Pepe and sister, Mary Ann Franczyk.

     Surviving are his wife of 66 years, Evelyn Vaclavik Pepe; sons, Christopher D. Pepe and wife Pat, and Harry J. Pepe Jr. and wife Shannon; granddaughters, Katelyn Pepe and Jessica Pepe; sister, Christine Pepe Andrews; uncle, James Pepe; daughter-in-law, Sherry Pepe; four step-granddaughters; several step-great grandchildren; nieces and nephews, and his loving canine companion, Tilly.

     Harry lived a life shaped by creativity, craftsmanship, and a deep love for the land he called home. A gifted welder, he poured his skill and pride into his own business and into the two homes he lovingly restored. He crafted interior woodwork and furnishings from hardwood he milled himself, and built a stone garage addition from the very ground he walked—carefully matching the character of the 200-year-old house he treasured. As a licensed professional civil engineer, he also built a respected land-surveying business, and later fulfilled another dream by opening the Pepe Tree Farm.

     The outdoors was where Harry felt most alive. He shared countless hunting, fishing, and camping trips with his family—memories stretching from Pennsylvania’s quiet state parks to breathtaking national parks from Maine to Wyoming, and places as far as Ontario and Georgia. As the years went on, he found joy in bluegrass festivals, took up the Dobro, and discovered a peaceful passion for painting in the style of Bob Ross. Many of his paintings now hang on the walls of those who loved him, small reminders of his gentle spirit and the beauty he saw in the world.

     The family will receive friends and family in the Dean C. Whitmarsh Funeral Home, 134 West Church Street, Fairchance, Pa. on Wednesday from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and on Thursday, December 11, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon. The Funeral Service will begin at 12:00 noon with Carl Desmartin officiating.

     Interment will follow in Maple Grove Cemetery, Fairchance, Pa.

     In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association, American Diabetes Association or American Cancer Society.

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