Anthony Groff Pepper

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Anthony Groff Pepper on November 16, 2024, a beloved father, friend, and an accomplished engineer who touched the lives of many. Born in Columbus, Ohio on February 15, 1934, Tony lived a remarkable life that spanned nearly 91 years, filled with passion for his work and love for his family.

Tony graduated from Oakwood High School in 1952 and received his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering in 1970 from the University of Cincinnati. He went on to dedicate a significant part of his 30-year career to Wright Patterson Air Force Base, where he demonstrated his expertise as a talented engineer. He displayed a talent for music as a trained banjo and mandolin player and had a love of jazz. He traveled the world and was an avid model builder, particularly trains and airplanes, some large and complicated. He once built an elaborate dollhouse for his granddaughter, Bailey, as well as a plane that is still on display at a local Dayton hobby shop. Tony was an avid runner and completed the U.S Air Force Marathon in 2002. Tony was devout in his faith, and he was an active member at St. George’s Episcopal Church in Kettering, Ohio. He was an usher and served as M.C. for annual spaghetti dinners, where he offered great entertainment.

Tony followed his beloved wife, Dorothy Voelkl Pepper, to heaven. Tony and Dorothy were married 66 years and passed within months of one another. Tony was preceded in death by daughter, Jane Ellen Pepper; son, Thomas Anthony Pepper; and mother, Bettie Groff Boehme. He is survived by his children, Nancy (Jeff) Pepper Thacher, and Daniel Anthony (Karen) Pepper; grandchildren, Bailey, Win, Drew Thacher, and Thomas and Danielle Pepper, and many nieces and nephews, who will carry his memory forward. Tony’s kindness and gentle nature have left an indelible mark on those who had the privilege to know him. He will be remembered not just for his professional accomplishments, but also for his warm heart and infectious spirit. A celebration of Tony's life is set to take place Saturday, March 8, 2025, at 2:00pm at St. George’s Episcopal Church, 5520 Far Hills Ave., to honor the legacy he leaves behind. Tony will be laid to rest in St. Francis Memorial Garden at St. George’s Episcopal Church. A reception and visitation will follow at St. George’s in the Parish Hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Agape Hospice Care of Georgia, Northeast Georgia Office at 1551 Jenning Mill Road, Suite 2100 A, Watkinsville, GA 30677 or online: https://sagefoc.com/agape-ga/#donate

Donations may also be made to the Dayton Alzheimer's Association to the Miami Valley Chapter at 6 N. Main St., Suite 130, Dayton, OH 45402 or online: https://www.alz.org/dayton

 Although he has left us, the impact Tony had on our lives will forever remain. Rest peacefully, Tony. You will be deeply missed. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be made at www.routsong.com.