John Joseph Pepe Sr.

John J. Pepe, 96, passed away on March 25th, 2024, in Houston, Texas. He was born to Italian immigrant parents Anna and Salvatore Pepe on October 29, 1927, in New York City. He was a loving husband and father, and well known for his extreme work ethic and devotion to God, family, and friends.

John graduated from Power Memorial Academy High School where he played 2nd base in baseball and sang in the glee club. After high school, he attended Manhattan College in New York City, where he received a B.S. in Civil Engineering. He immediately attended the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, where he earned his Master of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering.

After graduation John, served in the Army as a Lieutenant in the occupation and rebuilding of Germany and France that followed World War II. During his service, John was given a special assignment to test the European water wells for safety. Despite being shot at by snipers, he continued with this mission and also build various field hospitals and airports in France and Germany.

On a personal family quest, John traveled to Dachau and Auschwitz where his aunt died. He was overwhelmed by the experience, thinking of all of the good people who also lost their lives. This so traumatized him, he never spoke about it until much later in life.

After John’s tour of the European occupation, he moved to Houston, Texas where he met Josephine Augustine, the love of his life. They married in 1956 at St Vincent De Paul Catholic church. During their wonderful 59 years together, they raised three wonderful sons, John Jr., Michael, and Christopher.

In 1960, John founded John J. Pepe, Consulting Engineers, where he designed, constructed and inspected many engineering projects. His many activities included subdivision development, civil engineering, and architectural projects for the City of Houston, Harris County, the State of Texas, and prominent clients during a period of more than 50 years. Whenever it rained his engineers and crews would hear John say, “I hope it don’t flood! “

Some of his clients included Kickerillo Companies, Mischer Corporation, Greenwood Corporations, Chasewood Bank, Cinemark Theatres, Klein Funeral Homes, Lowe's Home Improvements, Houston Metropolitan Transit Authority, Sterling Bank, and the Texas Department of Transportation. John also served as a Board Member of the Consulting Engineering Council of Texas and the Texas Coastal and Marine Council Board Member of Regional Export Expansion Council.

John’s philanthropic activities included the launch and growth of five Houston Catholic churches; St Thomas More, St Cecilia’s, Our Lady of the Cedars, St Cyril’s, and St John Vianney. His benevolence included helping families in need by providing groceries and various essentials. If there were a family using food stamps ahead of him in the checkout line, he would buy their kids candy and frequently paid for their food, also. His caring heart carried over into his business dealings and how he managed his company by always being kind, fair, and honest with both his clients and employees. He also took daily breaks to pray the rosary for his employees in the privacy of his office.

John was preceded in death by his beloved wife Josephine, his parents, three sisters and a brother. He is survived by his sons John J. Pepe Jr. of Houston, TX, Michael A. Pepe of Los Angeles, CA and Christopher T. Pepe of Springdale, AR; and numerous nephews and nieces.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers – www.maryknollsociety.org, DAV - Disabled American Veterans - www.ihelpveterans.org, and the Wounded Warrior Project - www.woundedwarriorproject.org. John will forever be remembered for his discipline, focus, and dedicated love of all of the lives he touched. He is a true gem and was well respected and loved by his family, friends, and business associates.

Memorial Services will be with visitation and Rosary on Thursday, April 4th from 5-8pm at the Forest Park Westheimer Funeral Home and Mass Services will be held at St. John Vianney Catholic Church at 10:30 am on Friday 5th followed by burial service at Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery in Houston, TX.