Donald James Pepper

INDIAN ORCHARD - Donald J. Pepper, born 1937 and passed away July 15, 2011. He was the son of the late Alice (Carlson) and Joseph M Pepper.  He attended Cathedral High School after which he enlisted in the Navy and obtained his GED.  He served from 1955 to 1958 as a signalman aboard the USS Albany. He then worked as a bus driver for Springfield Street Railway. In 1964 he was married to Carolyn Clough and in 1967 started a new chapter with a move to Florida. He joined the Hallandale Police Department and throughout his twenty year career attained the ranks of sergeant, lieutenant and captain, spending most of his years in the detective bureau. He retired in 1987 and returned to the Springfield area.  He enjoyed a job as a travel agent until health problems arose.  He loved his dogs, gardening, and to travel (especially to the ocean). He was an excellent cook and househusband. Sadly this year he was diagnosed with cancer and fought all spring until now when he could fight no more. He leaves his wife Carolyn Pepper, his "fur kids" Eddie and Kiss, a brother Kenneth (Anne) Pepper, nephew Kevin (Lisa) Pepper, nieces Kathleen Cosenzi , Kara (Andrew) Cavanaugh, and Krista (Peter) Spedero, sister in law Gayle (Greg) Biggs, niece Allison Biggs, and many great nieces and nephews.  Visitation will be Wednesday, July 20th from 4 - 7pm at Ratell Funeral Home, 200 Main St. Indian Orchard. Military service and burial at the Mass Veteran's Memorial Cemetery, 1390 Main St. Agawam on Thursday, July 21st at 10am . Donations to:  Best Friends Animal Society, 5001 Angel Canyon Rd. Kanab, UT 84741 or Dakin Animal Shelter, 171 Union St. Spfld, MA 01105. Ratell Funeral Home 413-543-3836