David Vincent Peppe

NORTH CANAAN — David Vincent Peppe, 69, of North Canaan died on Nov. 24, 2018, after a prolonged battle with pancreatic cancer, surrounded by members of his loving family. 

He was born in Sharon on March 22, 1949, the son of Shirley Mae (Budds) and Dr. Vincent J. Peppe. 

On Aug. 7, 1976, he married Linda Law, and they raised two children, Daniel and Louise. 

David grew up in North Canaan, where his father had a veterinary clinic. As a young boy, David accompanied his father on calls to many of the local dairy farms. Later, he assisted in his dad’s small-animal practice on West Main Street. He was a member of 4-H and raised beef cattle. In 1962, he won the title of Grand Champion in showmanship at the Springfield Fair. It was during those years that his love of animals and nature developed.

David was a graduate of Housatonic Valley Regional High School, State University of New York at Delhi and Central Connecticut State University, where he received a degree in Elementary Education. Working with children was his passion. He spent many years as a teaching assistant, a tutor, a math interventionist, a special needs tutor and caregiver, and a children’s ski instructor on the slopes of Butternut Basin. Teaching brought joy to his life and he could fondly recall experiences with each and every child he taught. He also worked in the maintenance departments at The Hotchkiss School and North Canaan Elementary School. 

An avid outdoorsman, David was a Boy Scout with North Canaan’s Troop 22. He often recalled the joys of attending Boy Scout camp and accomplishing the 2-mile swim. He actively encouraged his son to become a Scout and was ever so proud when Daniel achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. David accompanied the Scouts on several high adventure trips with Dan, the most notable of which was a 100-mile canoe trip along the Allagash River in Maine. David continued to serve as a Merit Badge counselor for Troop 22 until his death.

David was an active member of the Canaan Exchange Club for his entire adult life until his illness prevented him from regularly attending meetings. The club’s mission of child abuse prevention was dear to his heart. In addition, he was an active member of the St. Martin of Tours parish.

David was a two-year survivor of pancreatic cancer. While his diagnosis was grim, he never lost his passion for life or his family. His family owes a great debt of gratitude to the angelic caregivers at Smilow Cancer Center in Torrington and especially to Dr. Christina Gomez, who treated him with kindness, care and respect and gave him the gift of two happiness-filled years with his family. 

David’s greatest legacy was his family, who brought him immeasurable pride and happiness. He is survived by his beloved wife of 42 years, Linda (Law) Peppe of North Canaan; his treasured children, Dan and his wife, Sholly, and Louise and her husband, Brad; his cherished grandchildren, Anna, James and Linden; his dear siblings, Holly and her partner, Scot, Dan and his wife, Piera, Carol and her husband, Mark, and Vincent and his wife, Martha. He is also survived by his much-loved nieces and nephew, Emma, Meg and Luca, as well as members of the Law family, whom he considered his own. 

He was predeceased by both of his parents, Vincent and Shirley Peppe.

A Catholic funeral Mass will be held at St. Joseph Church in North Canaan, part of St. Martin of Tours parish, at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 1, followed by a reception at the Bitterman Center at 2 Daisy Hill Road in North Canaan. At David’s request, there will be no calling hours. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions in David’s memory may be made to Boy Scout Troop 22 of North Canaan, The Exchange Club of Canaan, Smilow Cancer Center in Torrington, or a charity of the donor’s choice in care of Newkirk-Palmer Funeral Home, 118 Main St., North Canaan, CT, 06018.