Salvatore Pepe

Every August, Salvatore Pepe would gather his family, buy eight to 10 bushels of tomatoes and continue the canning tradition his mother started decades ago.

'This is a good way to remember our parents and the tradition,' he would tell his family, his sister, Leonida Pepe of New Jersey, said.

Spending hours creating a custom calendar on which every family birthday, anniversary or notable date was recognized with a picture, Pepe would make three calendars: one for his own 45-member family, one for his wife’s 16-member family and one for both families.

'He enjoyed family,' said his wife, Cathy Ng-Pepe of Elmhurst. 'He enjoyed doing things that would bring family together.'

Working on the 97th floor of the first Trade Center tower attacked on Sept. 11, Pepe, 45, was an assistant vice president in the global technology service of Marsh & McLennan.

'We kept watching the news,' his wife said of that day she spent in front of the television with her father and her 18-month-old son, Salvatore Loong Pepe. 'We kept looking for him as part of the group making their way home.'

They never saw him, and they never heard from him again.

Born six months after his family arrived in New York from Italy, Pepe was the youngest of seven and the only one born in the United States. In 1997, he married Cathy Ng, who had emigrated from Malaysia.

Although Pepe was an Italian Catholic and Ng-Pepe was a Chinese Buddhist, both respected each other’s culture, Ng-Pepe said, remembering a Buddhist altar table her husband built for her family to honor their dead relatives.

But Pepe’s family said they will remember him most for his unselfish love. 'He never thought of himself,' Ng-Pepe said. 'He would never ask help for himself.'

When his mother, who died in 1992, couldn’t take care of herself anymore because of cancer, he devoted time to her. 'He would bathe her, feed her,' said Leonida Pepe. 'That’s so rare.'

Salvatore Pepe is also survived by four other sisters, Genoveffa Palmieri of Westchester County, Rose Occhicone of Westchester County, Anne Allen of New Jersey and Patrizia Davis of New Jersey, and a brother, Antonio Pepe of Queens.

(c) 2001 Newsday, Inc. Reprinted with permission. www.newsday.com

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Tributes
I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to share the news that I recently got married at the age of 60 – better late than never! As I reflect on this special day, I'm thinking of you and your family. May you continue to watch over them.
Sammy Chin, Colleague
Sep 11 2024 0:50PM
Missing you buddy. You have been a good friend, boss. Missed our conversation about your wife and kid Sal Jr. XOX
Sammy Chin, Colleague
Sep 11 2023 1:59PM
I didn't know Sal, but I'm sure he lives on in the hearts and memories of his family and friends. Condolences to you all.
Leslie Honcharik, Friend
Sep 22 2022 7:01PM
No relation but to share your name and remember you each September 11th. My grandparents came from Italy and maybe we are distantly related. I will continue to remember you each year on that day.
Frank L Pepe, Friend
Sep 11 2022 11:51AM
He was a wonderful supervisor at MM - He shared his pictures of his family and his stories. I hope he is watching over his wife and Sal Jr.
Sammy Chin, Colleague
Sep 8 2022 5:54PM
Thinking of you, Love you so much
Antonio Pepe, Family
Jan 17 2022 11:07AM
I graduated from Pratt Institute with Sal & we both earned our degrees in Industrial Engineering. We both worked as IE’s at Con Edision for several years. He was a great friend and I will always remember his humor and belief in the goodness of people. God bless his soul and his family. Rest In Peace my friend
Robert Schultz, Friend
Sep 11 2021 7:24PM
Thinking of you. Wren
Wren Schnelle, Colleague
Sep 2 2020 3:56PM
I had to do some work at the WTC which involved getting copies of some files made (which took over least 2 hours). Sal was sitting at the desk next to where I was waiting for those copies. We started to talk about work and our families. He was such a nice, kind man and so open about his pride for his family. Unbeknownst to him, my husband and I had been trying to have kids - so the photos of his son and his joy in showing them to me are something that I'll never forget. Rest in peace Sal - you are not forgotten - even by those who only had a chance to meet you for a short time!
Urszula Knowles, Colleague
Sep 7 2016 11:12AM
I can't believe it's 13 years. That day's event still fresh in my mind. You don't forget, It burnt into your memory. You can't forget a guy like Sal. Missing your Sal. I know you are watching over all your family , friends and co-workers.
Sammy Chin, Colleague
Sep 11 2014 8:30AM
Just thinking about you as I do every so often. Wren
Wren Schnelle, Colleague
Sep 11 2013 12:27PM
Sal was a wonderful actor,singer and friend. I had the oportunity and pleasure to work with him during the Saint Mark's (Brooklyn) production of GodSpell. He was, the best, John the Baptist . I knew Sal during the early '80's and regret loosing touch. I am so sorry I just realized what happened this week. RIP my long lost friend.
Gail, Friend
Sep 24 2012 11:08PM
Sal - we miss you so much. Today was just as hard as it was 11 years ago. We love you. XXXXX Anna
Anna Faustini, Family
Sep 11 2012 9:05PM
Such a great guy, generous to a fault, a true gentleman. Glad I had the opportunity to know him.
G., Colleague
Sep 11 2012 8:13AM
Sal- your wife and little boy were at the memorial today paying tribute to you. I was so moved at your son rubbing a pencil on paper over your name. I looked at want he was doing and I'll never forget seeing your name in pencil. It was a beautiful moment to witness. God bless you and your family.
Trish, Friend
Sep 8 2012 10:21PM
Merry Christmas Pipe.
Mike Maffei, Friend
Dec 25 2011 8:58PM
I cannot believe that it has been 10 years since 9/11. I will never forget your gentile smile and your sense of humor. You were a terrific brother, great friend and father. You had a positive attitude and it was my inpiration. When I look for strenght, I look at your face and I find the courage. Thanks for being such a dear brother. I love you lots. Lee
Lee Pepe, Family
Oct 13 2011 1:26PM
I worked with Ed Ng, Sal's brother-in- law. Each of us in the office spent that day calling Sal's cell phone number, hoping against hope that he would answer, or that some rescuer would hear that phone ringing and find him. For us, it was personal, and each one of us sent up our prayers for him.
Sharon Eisenkop, Friend
Sep 12 2011 2:56PM
Sal gave me my first computer job. I was an intern at IBM in Brooklyn. We reconnected at Marsh. Sal always had a smile and an encouraging word. I will always be grateful. He will be missed.
Michel, Colleague
Sep 11 2011 11:50PM
One of the nicest people that I have known and had the pleasure to have worked with.
Georgia, Colleague
Sep 11 2011 10:44AM
Sal, I cherish the time we had that we'd worked together...recalling the good times and the bad. I only with I had an opportunity to have met Cathy. I'll miss your annual stories about the tomato bottling... ...you are truly missed, but will not be forgotten. Your former colleague, friend, Baldwin
Baldwin, Colleague
Sep 11 2011 10:18AM
I'm sorry I never knew Sal. But I wish I did. I was an NYU student the day he died, and I was witness to the tragedy downtown that morning. For the rest of the year, I would pass the Armory on my way back to my dorm on 23rd street. The side of the Armory was covered in xeroxes of photographs of missing victims. That's where I saw Sal. I can't explain why, but I recognized him every day. I got to know his features and the gentle expression on his face. I began to say hello to him and send prayers to him as I walked past. I am glad I found this tribute page so I could learn more about him. It saddens me greatly that such a gentle, caring guy could be taken away. I hope to learn more about him, and if his family will allow me, make a donation to Sal's favorite charity in his name.
Jake Friedman, Friend
Sep 10 2011 7:38PM
Justice is Served , osama bin laden is dead , RIP !!!!
Sammy chin, Friend
May 2 2011 8:34AM
Sal, Been searching for you for awhile, sorry that I found you too late! Sal, Adrian and I went to Pratt together and for those 4 years we were the 3 Musketeers. All my memories of Sal are of this gentle giving person who was always willing to help a friend or family member in need. I remeber sharing mutadel (spelling?) sandwiches his Mom made for him, she always packed enough to feed his hungry pals at school. I recall when he adopted Peg's dog Mouse and mouse became Sal's Dad's buddy. As I said all great memories. I'll miss you buddy.
Gil Portalatin, Friend
Mar 25 2011 5:21PM
Just wishing you a Happy 9th Anniversasry in Heaven Pipe... God Bless You and keep smiling down on everyone....Mike
Mike Maffei, Friend
Sep 16 2010 8:35PM
Sal, ...in my thoughts and fond memories. May your spirit live on with Cathy and in your son Sal... Baldwin
Baldwin, Friend
Sep 11 2010 10:24AM
I just found out today about Sal perishing on that tragic day that has scarred our hearts forever, 9/11. Sal and I went to grammar school together, St.Anthony's in the Bronx, and I'd not seen Sal since then. After all these years, forty to be exact, I can still see his smile and remember his positive attitude. He was a fun loving kid, liked by all. He will be remembered as a truly sweet spirit. My love goes to his family. Please accept my heartfelt condolences and sympathy for your loss, and ours.
Yvonne Lorenzo, Friend
Jun 17 2010 1:43PM
I love you dad!!! I love you so much and I miss you but it's a good thing that I can talk to you right?
Sal, Family
May 20 2010 6:36PM
We miss you and love you - thank you for being part of my life. You have touched us all in a special way - and have left us with so many good memories - all never to be forgotten. Anna
anna Faustini, Family
Sep 11 2009 5:17PM
I am always goin to miss you Uncle Pepe!
Stephanie Pepe, Friend
Sep 11 2009 12:27PM
I'm sorry to have to pay tribute to Sal this way as it is the first 9/11 since I found out about Sal.I was looking at what he wrote in my autograph book for 8th grade graduation just last week.It made me laugh and then made me cry.He was a funny guy who had a smile on his face ALL the time. 'Pipe' ,as he was affectionatley known in grammar school, was the kind of child you would want your child to grow up with....Sal,I'm sorry that I lost contact with you over the years but I can say that I was a fortunate kid to grow up and have you for such a good pal in school.I know you must have that wide smile on your face and that cartoon laugh of yours and that you must be a very amusing angel in heaven.Happy anniversay up there Pipe and one day we'll laugh again,like we did when we were kids.My deepest condolences and and sincerity to Sal's family and other friends.....Michael Maffei
Mike Maffei, Friend
Sep 10 2009 2:17PM
I just found out about Sal through a friend that I went to grammar school with.We all attended St.Anthony's school in the Bronx.I was quite saddened and shocked.Sal was one of the nicest kids I ever grew up with.I remember how beautiful and close he and his family were.You felt so at home when you would go into their home.They lived in a house right across the street from the church and it was a fitting place for them to be situated.We would joke and laugh every day in class and he had these big hands and fingers that he would twist in all different directions and then give a funny laugh while doing it.Whenever I didn't do my homework which was very frequent,I would call Sal up the night before and he would read all his homework to me so I could copy it.He also would always give me the answers during a test as well as he was such a smart kid:)I always wondered how Sal was all the years and this saddens me terribly.My belated condolences to the family and I will light a candle in church for someone who was a true friend when we were kids.God Bless you Sal as well as your family.I'll never forget you and will cherish the friendship we shared as kids.RIP...Sincerly,,,Mike Maffei
Michael Maffei, Friend
Jul 26 2009 2:41PM
Sal: Thinking of you and your family on this day of somber rememberance. I have not heard from Deb for quite a while...please watch over her. Miss you and your stories. Jill
Jill Schueller, Colleague
Sep 11 2008 10:56AM
Sal, Hoping Cathy and 'the baby'...more like little Sal, the young man, are doing well. Miss ya, Baldwin
Baldwin, Colleague
Sep 10 2008 11:25PM
Sal, ...still missing you. Always remembered... ...Baldwin
Baldwin, Friend
Sep 11 2007 7:09PM
Forever in our hearts. As little Sal says - from here to Pluto and back - we love you.
anna faustini, Family
Sep 12 2006 3:02PM
Sal, Debi Novak and myself were the team for MMC's sponsorship of the Jack Nicklaus Memorial Golf Tournament for 4 years. Our sponsorship ended in 2000 and Sal was killed the following year. We communicated often by e-mail but little did we know it would be the last time to see him. Sal would send us his famous sauce and we would send his son birthday presents. I miss him and wish his family well!
Jill Schueller, Colleague
Sep 11 2006 8:49AM
Five years later...I am still dazed and saddened about about losing Sal. I used to work with Sal when Marsh's office was uptown, and he worked for IBM. I remember our chats about family, astronomy and the annual family tomato canning tradition. He was truly a great person, friend and colleague...and be forever remembered in my heart.
Baldwin, Colleague
Sep 10 2006 10:01PM
We love you!
anna faustini, Family
Sep 11 2004 10:35PM
Sal - it is your birthday today - Jan 29. 2004. You are forever in our hearts - we miss you more and more everyday. I miss the January birthday gathering at our house - I just want you to know that there will always be candle there for you too. Love ya forever Anna
Anna Faustini, Family
Jan 29 2004 7:24AM
I knew Sal for many years before I re-located to Florida. We both worked at the 1600 Avenue of the America's building and would bump into eachother constantly while smoking. There we would share stories of our weekends and vacations. The thing I remember the most about Sal is how he loved to ride. The details of his trips to different places on his bike facinated me. He loved the outdoors and the wind in his face. My heartfelt sympathys are with his family and friends every year. He was a terrific man and is missed dearly.
Erica Bogus, Colleague
Sep 15 2003 10:33AM
Sal, Although we were colleagues at Marsh, I never met you. It has been two years now and I just heard your nephew pay tribute at the ground zero memorial service. I recognized your name, as it has been taped onto my refrigerator at home, here in Central Texas for almost two years now. A friend of mine chose your name from the basket passed at her church to pray for the families of the victims of 9/11. Each time I go past your name, I think of your family and loved ones left behind. May God continue to give them peace. Cindy McFerran, Marsh - San Antonio
Cindy McFerran, Colleague
Sep 11 2003 10:32AM
It is March 24, 2003, and today my heart is flooded with emotions. Like others have already expressed, Sal's goodness was ever-present. He always welcomed his family and friends with kindness, a smile and boundless warmth. You are so missed, Sal. And this Saturday being Little Sal's birthday, you will again be celebrated and cherished. But everyday you are remembered and missed.
Conway So, Family
Mar 24 2003 12:04PM
Sal - I think you would like this song. So, in memory of you - we miss you and pray for you daily. Happy Birthday. Love, Anna The Impossible Dream To dream the impossible dream To fight the unbeatable foe To bear the unbearable sorrow To run where the brave dare not go To write the unwritable wrong To be better far than you are To try when your arms are too weary The reach the unreachable star This is my quest, to follow that star No matter how hopeless, No matter how far To fight for the right Without question or pause To be willing to march into hell For a heavenly cause And I know if I'll only be true To this glorious quest That my heart will be peaceful and calm When I'm laid to my rest And the world would be better for this That one man scorned and covered with scars Still strove with his last ounce of courage To reach the unreachable star.
Anna Faustini, Family
Jan 23 2003 8:01AM
Sal was my baby brother, and a great friend. I have wonderful memories growing up and into our adult life. He was a sweet, kind human being. He had tremendous patience and found joy in all he did. I will miss him dearly. My family and I are very fortuante to have had Sal in our lives and we are blessed with wonderful moments that he touched our lives. We are very fortuante that his wife Cathy and his child are now part of our family. For that we are trully blessed. My dear brother, may you have peace. We love you.
lEONIDA PEPE, Family
Sep 12 2002 9:36PM
We used to support MMI helpdesk and from my experience working with him I can say that after minutes of thinking and pacing I can't come up with a tribute that is worthy of him. He was truly a good man.
Thomas Stewart, Colleague
Sep 11 2002 1:48PM
Sal is a wonderful person. We used to support MMI helpdesk and I remembered whenever there was a rumba issue I always call Sal for help. He was very helpful and nice to worked with. My prayers go out to Ng and the baby. God Bless Lea
Lea V. Opida, Friend
Jul 29 2002 9:08AM
Sal was a wonderful person I remembered my first day in Support. Sal always had a bright smile on his face. His patiance never ran thin when it came down to a server management issue and We had to page him or Call him at Home. Every Minutie I looked up from my desk it was either Sal, Gene or Chris running pass me. I was like these guys are on top of things. You only have one life time and sometimes you are blessed in meeting special people who a lite a Light in your life. My Prayers go out to Ng and the Baby. And to All Sal's Familly. God Bless
Michelle Mitchell, Colleague
Jun 26 2002 3:12AM
Sal is my favorite uncle and a very dear friend. Since we were only 4 years apart our relationship developed more like a brother and sister rather than an uncle and niece. Sal was the most sincere, honest and unbias person I ever met in my life. He loved to laugh. He was great at joke telling. He enjoyed the outdoors and cherished all the earth had to offer. He loved children and was so gentle and kind. I have wonderful memories of growing up with Sal. He helped me with my homework, he taught me how to play basketball, baseball, and handball. I know that Sal is with us in spirit. I am committed to being what he was to me to his beautiful son. His wife, Cathy is a wonderful person and he loved them with his whole life. We miss him and this tragedy has ripped our hearts but we have learned that our bond as a family is stronger than all - and that we will continue to live and carry on the traditions, values, morals that Sal fostered. Sal - you are in my prays and thoughts everyday.
anna faustini, Family
May 3 2002 12:26PM
Sal was an exceptional person. Though he and I never met, he was a person I always felt I could rely on. It seemed the only times I spoke with him were in times of crisis when I and many other colleagues were having problems. Whenever I spoke with him, he was always willing to listen to my input and suggestions. He was willing to break the rules to take care of problems - that's just how dedicated he was. He would always do everything necessary to resolve the problem quickly which is no small feat in an organization of this size. He'd go the extra mile to help out and deal with the repercussions later. I don't think he ever understood how much I (and my clients) appreciated his dedication and commitment. I regret I never really got to know Sal on a personal basis. It seems he and I had a lot in common, but we never seemed to have time to discuss it. I have a son roughly the same age and it is a terrible tragedy that Sal will never see him grow up. I would like to extend my deepest condolences to his family. He was a valuable person in many ways and will be missed.
Kay Farrell, Colleague
Apr 9 2002 4:19PM