‘Butch’ Francis Peter Pepka – Carroll Township

CARROLL TOWNSHIP “Butch” Francis Peter Pepka, 79, of Carroll Township, died unexpectedly March 29, 2026, at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsb urgh. He was born Feb. 27, 1947, in New Eagle, the son of Francis Peter and Margaret Prihode Pepka, Sr. Butch was a 1965 graduate of Donora High School and a member of St. Andrew the Apostle Parish in Monongahela. There was no mistaking Butch in his signature cowboy hat and western wear from Lowry’s. Anyone who knew Butch could tell of his kindheartedness and great sense of humor. You may have been lucky enough to receive a token of his appreciation from any number of local businesses including Cox Market, Valdiserri’s Bakery, DeCarlo’s Market, Hartley House Bakery, By George and recently Ripepi Winery. Butch was a Vietnam War veteran, serving in the U.S. Army Air Calvary, and was awarded two Purple Hearts. After the war, he worked for 35 years at U.S. Steel Clairton Works, where he held several positions including safety trainer and inspector. He also owned The Beer Barrel in Bentleyville for over 30 years. Butch was an avid hunter, trap shooter and dog lover. Over the years, he has belonged to several gun clubs and leagues, including Victory Hill, Ruffsdale, Carmichaels, Library, Elrama and Pittsburgh. He was also a member of many social clubs throughout the Mon Valley and Bentleyville areas. He also enjoyed following NASCAR, gardening and planting fruit trees. Butch was recently honored to become a Carroll Township volunteer fireman and rode shotgun with Chief Brett. He was the best brother his sister, Linda Pepka Zywan, could ask for. He is also survived by nieces, Alexis Zywan of Finleyville and Nadia Zywan Seesock of Jacksonville, Fla.; great-niece, Tessa Seesock; and his faithful companion, Socrates. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, David Zywan.