Dominic Pepp

Dominic Pepp, 94, former Watertown resident, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather died peacefully on August 27, 2010.

Mr. Pepp was born on May 28th, 1916, to Anthony and Theresa Fasano Pepp. He graduated from Watertown High School and married Concetta 'Nettie' Doldo on September 26th, 1937, at Saint Anthony's Church. Nettie and Dominic renewed their vows on the anniversary of the 50th year together in the same church. Nettie, his devoted wife of 66 years, sadly predeceased him on December 15th, 2003.

Mr. Pepp was employed at The Watertown Daily Times; starting as a newspaper boy and working his way to the status of journalist, occupying that position for 45 years. While an employee of the Times, he was the first television editor and ultimately was responsible for the annual business edition. In January 1948 he interviewed Eleanor Roosevelt at the Hotel Woodruff and had the opportunity to meet Bobby Kennedy in September 1964. As television editor, he regularly spoke with television host Lawrence Welk and worked with singer Kate Smith. As a general assignment reporter, he was the only reporter at the scene of a 1955 shoot-out following a jail-break of three St. Lawrence County prisoners that resulted in a six-day manhunt. He also covered the expansion of Pine Camp to Camp Drum to Fort Drum throughout his career. Upon his retirement, he was the recipient of the first citizen award, presented by the former mayor, Karl R. Burns.

Dominic was an appointed member of the Watertown Housing Authority for twenty-two years, a past chairmen of the Jefferson County Community College Scholarship Corporation, a past director board chairmen, and a life member of the Italian American Civic Association. He was a communicant of Saint Anthony's Church, Watertown, and Saint Ann's Church in Haines City, Florida. He was an avid golfer and member of the Watertown Golf Club.

Dominic and Nettie moved to Haines City, Florida after his retirement and enjoyed their life in Lake Region Mobile Park. There he served on the Welcoming Committee and the Financial Committee of the complex. He was an enthusiastic member of the Men's Chorus and performed choral programs throughout the Haines City area and within the Lake Region Park.

Dominic is survived by his two caring daughters and their spouses; Roxane and John Price, Hoschton, GA and Cynthia and James Fleming, Webster, NY, three adoring grandchildren; Aaron Gillette, Tara Fleming-Caruso, Jason Gillette, three great grandchildren, Logan Gillette, Jaden Caruso and Sydney Gillette; and several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by a beautiful infant daughter, Esther Pepp, and loving siblings Rose Anzalone, John, Carmen and Louis Pepp.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, September 1st, from 6 to 8 p.m. at D.L. Calarco Funeral Home, Inc. A prayer service is scheduled on Thursday at 9:15 a.m. at the funeral home, followed by a 10 a.m. mass at Saint Anthony's Church with Reverend Donald Robinson officiating. Entombment will be in Glenwood Mausoleum.