RUSSELL – Dr. J. Michael Pepek, 66, of Russell, MA passed away on Sunday, January 19, 2014. He was the son of Dr. Joseph M. Pepek and Marjory Malligan Pepek of Westfield. Born in Westfield, Dr. Pepek was a longtime resident of the city and opened his first orthodontic practice there in 1978; he later opened practices in West Springfield and Holyoke. Dr. Pepek was active in the community as an avid tennis player and youth sports coach.He loved landscaping, the banjo, Notre Dame sports, and spending time with his grandchildren. Dr. Pepek graduated from St. Mary’s High School in Westfield, the University of Notre Dame, and from Georgetown University School of Dentistry. After completing his orthodontic residency at the University of Louisville School of Dentistry, he participated in post-graduate training at the H.K. Cooper Institute and the Lancaster Cleft Palate Clinic for the clinical care and research of cleft lip and palate patients. Dr. Pepek served on the consulting staff at Shriner’s Hospital for Children in Springfield, where he volunteered as the orthodontist to the Cleft Lip and Palate Clinic. Dr. Pepek was the first orthodontist from Western MA to be honored as a member of the College of Diplomats of the American Board of Orthodontics. He was also a member of the American Association of Orthodontists, The American Cleft Palate Association, The American Dental Association, The Massachusetts Dental Society and The Valley District Dental Society.
Dr. Pepek leaves behind his wife of 38 years, Sharon, of Russell; three sons, a daughter, and their spouses: Dr. Joseph Pepek and Elizabeth (Stapleton) Pepek of Princeton, N.J., William Pepek of Washington, D.C., Catherine (Pepek) Allen and Ryan Allen of Newton, MA and Ian Pepek of Washington, D.C. He leaves two granddaughters, Madeleine and Laura Pepek. He is survived by a sister, Ann (Pepek) Morrison of New York, and two brothers, Dr. Patrick Pepek of Westfield, and John Pepek of West Springfield.
Calling hours will be held on Thursday, January 23rd from the Firtion-Adams Funeral Service, 76 Broad Street, Westfield from 4:00-8:00 p.m. A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be held on Friday in St. Mary’s Church in Westfield at 10:30 a.m. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations should be sent to Shriner’s Hospital for Children, 516 Carew Street, Springfield, MA 01104.
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