George H. Pieper
George H. Pieper, 80, beloved husband of 50 years of Phyllis Hickey Pieper of Clintonville Rd., passed away Saturday, April 5, 2008 in his home. Loving father of Sharon Pieper Lettick and her husband Steven Lettick of Woodbridge, Kathleen Pieper Altmann and her fiance Jeffrey Vogt of Fairfield, Richard Pieper and his wife Jane Pieper of North Haven, Paul Pieper and his wife Wendy Pieper of Fairfield, brother of Clarisse Pieper Miessau and her husband Robert Miessau of Northford, and Carolyn Pieper Young of Wallingford. Grandfather of Elaine & Rebecca Lettick, Alexander Altmann, Charles, Maxwell, Harry, Molly, Isabelle and Eloise Pieper. He is also survived by 15 nieces and nephews, 27 great nieces and nephews, and 24 great great nieces and nephews. Mr. Pieper was predeceased by two sisters, Matilda Pieper Werle, and Louise Pieper Trzpis, and 7 brothers Richard, Frank, Otto, Victor, Joseph, John and Robert Pieper. Mr. Pieper was born in New Haven August 21, 1927 a son of the late Otto V. and Louise Ludwig Pieper. George moved with his family from Hamden to North Haven in 1943 when North Haven boasted fewer than 1000 residents. He was graduated from Lyman Hall HS in 1947 and served his country in post-war Germany as a sargeant in the 28th Infantry, the 'Bloody Bucket.' Upon his return from Europe, he rejoined Garden Acres with his brother Richard Pieper. Over the years, George and his son Richard built a successful flower farming and landscaping business. George was an avid sportsman and an accomplished baseball player and coach. He played minor league baseball for various New Haven area teams. When his playing days were over, he coached Little League baseball in North Haven. He was also a 'scratch' golfer, scoring both a hole-in-one and an eagle ... making all his golfing buddies jealous. Throughout his life, George gave both to his town and his church. He was elected to the North Haven Planning and Zoning Commission and served for over ten years. At St. Frances Cabrini parish, George served on numerous committees including the Parish Council, the Building Committee and the Mens Club. George was a kind, loving husband, father and friend. He will be missed greatly by all who knew him. All of us who had the privilege of knowing George consider ourselves fortunate. Funeral from BEECHER & BENNETT, 2300 WHITNEY AVE., HAMDEN, Tuesday, April 8, at 10:15 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated in St. Francis Cabrini Church, Pond Hill Rd., North Haven at 11 a.m. Interment in Center Cemetery. Friends may call Monday from 4-8 p.m. Memorial contributions in his memory may be sent to the Father McGivney Cancer Center at St. Raphael's Hospital, the Connecticut Hospice or the Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Building Fund.
Dear Kathy and Family, I am so sad to learn of your Great Father’s Passing. I Loved your father so very much when I was in College. He always made me feel welcome in your home, treating me like one of your family members. I will always remember his sweet smile and soft voice and true kindness. I will always remember how hard he worked each day and how .Dinner. was a family event. How wonderful that was to sit with your family and share a meal together. I know you will miss him each day Kathy. Just know that you are a part of him in every way, shape and form. I hope you can draw strength and hope from each other remembering your fathers life. I wish you could call or email at some point when you can…I am here if you should need an old friend. My you find peace in knowing that Your father’s life journey will be in your heart forever. With Much Respect and Heartfelt Love, Shelia Monaghan sile@ptd.net 570-544-5599 I miss you Kathy.
Dear Mrs. Pieper, Richard and family: We were heartbroken to read of Mr. Pieper’s passing. Just a few days ago when I was driving by I said to myself that it was time for me to do the spring ritual of stopping by and chewing the rag with him to start off the season, and unfortunately I never had the chance to do so….. Stopping in and seeing him was one of the best parts of living in North Haven, as I am sure it was for many. It will never be the same…. Our best thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time- Donna DiCello Jan Kozen 529 Old Clintonville Rd.
Dear Richard and family, We are so sorry for the loss of your loved one, George. He always made me laugh when he teased me when I came to the garden center. He was such a sweet man, I’m sure he is flying with the angels. Sincerely, Carla & Richard Dextraze 45 Alling Road Northford
George is a great men a big heart and kind person Im glade to be part of his life. I will truly miss seeing him when I get my flowers and my veggie. He was loved by my hole family even mygrandson. Georgedonatedflowers to his fun raser we thank him very much.God Bless GEORGE
George Pieper was not George to me. He was Gismo, my bus driver. I was a youngster in the 1950’s attending Center Elementary School. I had a very difficult time leaving my Mom. Gismo made all the difference in the world. He took me under his wing, listened to me, made me feel special, and taught me that going to school was very important. He made me laugh all the time. I looked forward to seeing him every day. He made such a difference in my life. I will never forget him. Janet Chapman Fusco, 50 Melillo Circle, North Haven, CT
Rich and Family Charlotte and I were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of another wonderful Pieper. Grandfather and loving Dad. I have always enjoyed any interaction with your father and I will greatly miss his constant ribbing about our business in general. It seems like just yesterday he was cutting greens for wreaths and now he is gone. Times have changed. Men like him and the knowledge and passion he had for his business will be impossible to duplicate. We know you will miss him as so many North Haven folk will. God Bless you all and you will all be in our thoughts and prayers.
To Kathy and family. My heart goes out to all of you. I wish I could have been there for you Kathy. I just found out on Monday night returning from a trip. You were so lucky to have a loving father so long. I hope you all take some solace in that. I miss you Kath. Call me or e-mail when you are ready; obrienillustration@mac.com Love Tim
To the Family of George H. Pieper: I was shocked to read of George’s passing. We send our condolences to the memory of a fine gentleman. I enjoyed our conversations and enjoyed hearing from George each year that the corn was .IN.. I am sorry that I was not able to attend. Howard L.Luppi 4-7-2008
To The Family of George Pieper: Our sincere sympathy on the loss of Mr. Pieper. He will be remembered by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. We will keep him in our thoughts and prayers.
We were sorry to read of George’s passing, and know that he will be missed by you, his family, and the community. May his memory be blessed among you.