Gerard R. Pepin

Fairfax, Virginia - Gerard Roger Pepin died peacefully on Monday June 6, 2022 with his wife of 63 years, Elaine Jeannette Pepin, by his side. Born in Biddeford, ME on March 10, 1935, he was raised in Somersworth, NH, attending St. Martin’s School, Somersworth High School, and the University of New Hampshire (UNH). He studied electrical engineering at UNH and received a scholarship from the United States Air Force (USAF) ROTC program. He graduated with a BS and later received a MS in electrical engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology, and a MA in Business Management from the University of Nebraska. A man before his time, he pursued PhD studies in Artificial Intelligence at Purdue University in 1969. Gerard retired honorably at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel after 21 years of active duty in the USAF. Afterwards, he worked in the telecommunications industry for Contel, GTE, Verizon, and consulted at George Mason University. A devout Roman Catholic, Gerard’s kindness and generosity were evident through his active participation in CCD programs in Nebraska, New Mexico, and Virginia, and his beloved membership as a Fourth degree Knight and a former Grand Knight at the Father Diamond Knights of Columbus Council #6292. Gerard was a charismatic, generous, humble, fearless leader who truly led a full life as a Christian son, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. His actions and words were full of joy, love, and conviction. His devotion and love for his wife, Elaine, was an inspiration.

He is predeceased by his brother Roland Pepin, father Lucian Pepin, mother Lillian Dube Pepin, brother Donald Pepin and his son Stephen Gerard Pepin. Gerard is survived by his son Matthew P. Pepin of Albuquerque, New Mexico, his granddaughters Arabella and Ginaveve; son David A. Pepin and wife Susan of Fairfax City, Virginia, his grandchildren Christina, Alexander and Jonathan; son Joseph M. Pepin and wife Kym of Fenton, Missouri, his grandchildren Mackenzie and Connor; daughter Teresa P. Higgins and husband Joseph J. Higgins Jr of Bolton, Massachusetts, his grandchildren Joseph and wife Claire, Kalyn, Ryan, John and Clare; and son Thomas G. Pepin and Chantelle of Warrenton, Virginia, his grandchildren Nicholas, Grant, Morgan and Brandon. Gerard inspired generations of children and grandchildren to believe, achieve and do their best. We owe so much to this kind and gentle man who never forgot a promise to his children or his beloved wife, Elaine. He loved deeply and prayed for us all. May You Rest In Peace.

A wake and prayer vigil will be held at Demaine Funeral Home, 10565 Main Street, Fairfax, VA 22030 on Sunday, June 12th from 5-8 p.m.

Memories can be shared via the web site of the Demaine Funeral Home.

Requiem Mass will be held at St Leo the Great Catholic Church in Fairfax City on Monday June 13, 2022 at 11 am followed by a graveside service at CIty of Fairfax Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation:

https://give.cff.org/gateway/donate