CEO of Pepper Construction Group, J. David (Dave) Pepper, 59, passed away unexpectedly but peacefully on Saturday, December 28, 2019 at his home in Barrington, Illinois. Pepper, born in Evanston, Illinois on January 15, 1960, lived his life in service to others and was widely known for his kindness and generosity.
Pepper was a civil engineering graduate of Iowa State University and centered his life around his family and friends. He enjoyed cooking, boating and travelling and frequently said that being part of his family was the best leadership lesson of his life. He believed that values shape lives, particularly through unexpected turns. Pepper instilled honesty, gratitude and openness into the culture of Pepper Construction, which he led from 2003.
Known as a champion of education, Pepper held multiple leadership roles including president of the Associated General Contractors (AGC) Education and Research Foundation, a nonprofit charitable organization dedicated to improving the science of construction. He was also involved in workforce readiness and school mentoring programs. Most recently, Pepper served on the Providence St. Mel School Board of Trustees; the Dominican University Board of Trustees; Junior Achievement of Chicago’s Board of Directors and Executive Committee; and served as a Management Trustee to the Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters and supported their educational programs over several decades.
Pepper also actively served the community as a member at St. Michael’s Episcopal church and was a member of the Economic Club of Chicago; The Chicago Club; the Max McGraw Wildlife Foundation and The Commercial Club of Chicago. He is survived by his loving wife, Katy; their three children, Ali, Lauren and Colin; his parents, Richard and Roxelyn Pepper; brothers, Dick, Stan, Scot; sisters, Lisa and Lynda; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
A memorial visitation will be held Friday, January 3, from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church located at 647 Dundee Avenue in Barrington. The memorial service will be at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 4 at the church. Additional parking will be available across the street at St. Matthew Lutheran Church located at 720 Dundee Avenue.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Dave’s memory can be made to Bishop Anderson House and St. Michael’s Youth Program at 847-381-2323 or info@stmichaelsbarrington.org. For more information, or to sign the guestbook please visit www.davenportfamily.com/notices/JDavidDave-Pepper.
