Sebastiano "Pepper" Vincenzo Patané

Sebastiano Vincenzo “Pepper” Patané, age 92, passed away peacefully on July 23, 2025, in Yuma, Arizona. Born on December 8, 1932, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in a family of Sicilian immigrants. A graduate of Solomon Juneau High School in Milwaukee, Class of 1951, Pepper was an active student-athlete, participating in both track and football.

After joining the Air Force, he was transferred to Yuma in 53 where he met Margaret Dominguez Ramirez. Shortly thereafter, he married the love of his life, on May 23, 1953, at St. Thomas Mission on Indian Hill in Yuma, AZ.

Pepper lived a full and vibrant life defined by love for his family, service to his country, and a deep appreciation for the great outdoors.

Pepper proudly served 20 years in the United States Air Force, retiring in 1972. His military career took him across the country and around the world, with assignments in Wisconsin, California, Illinois, Iowa, Oklahoma, Nevada, Turkey, and Vietnam. After his AF retirement, he worked a few years with the San Pasqual School District driving a school bus. Pepper continued his commitment to public service with the Arizona Department of Transportation working on the roads and highways in Yuma County, where he dedicated another 20 years before his final retirement in 1993.

After retirement, Pepper and Margaret found great happiness in caring for and chauffeuring their grandchildren, and spending time outdoors. They especially enjoyed camping, fishing, hiking, hunting, and exploring the beauty of National Parks and Monuments throughout the Midwest and western United States. Mount Laguna in California was a go to favorite.

Pepper is survived by his devoted wife, Margaret, and their six children: Kathryn, Stephen, Dennis, Mark, Paul, and Christopher, along with their spouses and families. He was a proud grandfather to 15 grandchildren and a great-grandfather to 21 great-grandchildren, all of whom brought him endless joy and pride.

Pepper’s legacy is one of service, strength, and family. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.

Sebastiano is with God in Heaven.