Joseph A. Pepe

Joseph A. Pepe passed away peacefully on December 5, 2023. He was the last surviving child of the late Samuel and Elizabeth Pepe, also of Amsterdam, NY. Joseph was a lifelong resident of Amsterdam NY and graduate of Wilbur H, Lynch High School in 1954. Joseph proudly served in the US Navy from 1955-57 on the USS Boston CAG 1. He was a plank owner, spent time in the Mediterranean, Beirut, Lebanon, Gibraltar and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. He also served in the Honor Guard. After returning from the Navy, he started working as a cook at the Tam O’ Shanter Restaurant in Ballston Spa, NY for his Aunt Laurina Ecobelli. It was there where he met his wife, Sally J. Lawrence, who predeceased him on April 1 of this year. They were married June 1, 1963. In 1964, Joe returned to Amsterdam NY to work at his family’s restaurant, Pepe’s and remained there through 1989 – proudly serving many happy patrons over the years. Joseph loved Amsterdam and served his community in many ways. He was a member of the Amsterdam School Board, served as 3rd Ward Alderman and Deputy Mayor for the City of Amsterdam. During his later years, Joseph was a Teacher’s Aide for children with special needs at McNulty School and enjoyed playing Santa at Tecler School. Joseph is survived by his three beloved children: Christine Caffrey (Mark) of Tribes Hill, NY, Tracy Van Alstyne (George) of Washington, NJ, and Joseph A. Pepe Jr. of Amsterdam NY; 7 Grandchildren, Mark Caffrey Jr. (Brianne) of Tribes Hill, NY, Dillon Caffrey (Arianna) of Wilmington, NC, Maren Caffrey (partner Hugh Smith) of Rensselaer, NY, Ian Caffrey (Mikayla) of Fort Wainwright, AK, Maylin Caffrey of Tribes Hill, NY, Gianna Orecchio of Savannah GA, and Michael Van Alstyne of Washington, NJ; 5 Great grandchildren; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Joseph had an amazing life which is best summed up by his oldest grandchild, Mark J Caffrey: “This man…was an artist, a chef, a husband, a father, a grandfather, a GREAT grandfather, a mentor, a friend, a teacher… he was so much. He showed me that you can do and be and achieve SO much… and he achieved more than most of us could even hope to come close to achieving in his time on this earth and that’s how he’ll be remembered.” The wake will be held on Friday, December 8, 2023, from 4-8PM at Riley Mortuary, 110 Division St, Amsterdam NY. A mass of Christian burial with full military honors will be held at 9AM on Saturday, December 9, 2023, at Our Lady of Mt Carmel Church, 39 St John St, Amsterdam NY. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to honorflight.org.