SGT Karl Barrett Pieper
SGT Karl Barrett Pieper, 29, of North Haven and Branford died unexpectedly at his mother's home on May 10, 2009. He was born in West Point, NY on September 22, 1979 to William Pieper of North Haven and Maryann Trocchio White of Branford. Besides his parents he leaves his maternal grandmother, Phyllis Trocchio of East Haven, stepfather, Mickey White of Bradenton, FL, stepmother, Jean Pieper of North Haven, sisters, Lauren and Rebecca Pieper and Erin White, and brothers, Philip, Ian, and George Pieper. He was pre-deceased by his maternal grandfather, John Trocchio, and paternal grandparents, John and Phyllis Pieper.Karl grew up in Hamden, Strongsville, OH, and Bradenton FL. He attended the University of Connecticut, and recently received a BA in Political Science from Troy University. Karl proudly joined the US Army after 9-11. He was a member of the 101st Airborne Division. He was a Ranger, a Sniper, Airborne and Air Assault qualified, who did two combat tours in Iraq, and was awarded the combat infantryman's badge, the expert infantryman's badge, and two Army Commendation Medals for his 5 years of military service. Karl received an honorable discharge with a disability retirement in September 2008. SGT Pieper was a good soldier who loved his country and the men he served with. There was no better son, brother, or friend than Karl.A Funeral Service will be held at BEECHER & BENNETT, 2300 Whitney Ave., Hamden on Wednesday, May 13th at 8 p.m. Friends may visit with his family on Wednesday evening from 5 to 8 p.m. Military Honors will take place at 5:30 p.m.
Dear Family, My heart goes out to you for your loss and understand the difficult burden you bear at this time. It is my prayer that God’s spirit comfort you at this most difficult time. Your son’s great friendship with Shawn during their service together was greatly cherished. I know that Karl had a lasting impact on Shawn. His spirit will live on through us. We will not forget his sacrifice and bravery in his service to his country and fellow man. It takes great conviction to do what our sons have done. At the very least they are heroes for their sacrifice. It is my strong conviction that after this life’s sojourn is over you will embrace Karl again and enjoy his great spirit. May Gods blessings be with you and comfort you. My wife and I send our deepest condolences – we are Shawn Connell’s parents.
Dear Family, There is a hole in my heart. I feel for you all deeply. Please know we all are safer in the USA because of servicepeople like Karl stepped forward to protect us. Our thoughts and prayers are for you all and Karl. Peace. Most sincerely, Bobbi
Go in Peace, thank you for your service. Mahmudiyah still seems like it was yesterday.
God Bless and R.I.P.
God bless Karl and his family. Karl you will be missed. Rest in Peace.
god bless to karl and his family. forever in my prayers!!!
I am deeply saddened to learn of Karl’s passing. I remember meeting him May of 2005 and thinking he was Heaven sent. Without a doubt he was and Heaven has called him back much too soon. What a handsome, kind, loving young man we have all been blessed to have in our lives. My thoughts and prayers are with Karl and his family.
I am so sorry for your loss.
I am so sorry for your loss. Lauren, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad time.
I am sorry for your loo.
I extend my condolences to the family of the deceased.
I was Karl’s Platoon Sergeant during his first tour of duty in Iraq. Karl was a good Soldier who I’m saddened to hear is no longer with us. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family in this time of grief.
If, of all thy worldly goods thou art bereft, and, Of their slender store two loaves alone are left, Sell one, and with the dole, Buy hyacinths to feed thy soul. Ralph J. Stalter, M.D. (1922-1997)
Karl was a someone you wanted around if you needed to be cheered up or a laugh. His presence could always bring a smile to your face. I enjoyed having the pleasure to know Karl and will miss him! Deepest condolences, Mike Madarasz-
Karl, My beautiful friend, I know you are at peace and are now embarking on the next phase of your voyage- on to touch others lives in the future of futures. I was given the gift of sharing time with you growing up, for years and years you made the daily adventures come alive with the greatest energy one could hope to feel in this thing we call life. I will never forget your wonderful energy, your laughter, your company, your spirit- and alas, it will always be with everyone you knew. Godspeed my friend. My love goes out to the whole family. Peace and kind wishes to all in this difficult time.
Lauren, Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sorrow.
Lauren, We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your brother…our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Maryann – I am so sorry to hear of your sons’ passing. What a handsome man, you must be very proud of him and his accomplishments. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this very difficult time.
MaryAnn & Family, There are no words that I can say to portray how deeply saddened I am for you. My heart goes out to you at this most difficult time. Karl was a young soldier who served our country with great honor and it is because of people like him that we still have the freedom in our country that we do. Be proud to know that your son is a hero and hold the fond memories within your hearts. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I’m here if you need ANYTHING MaryAnn. Heaven has gained a beautiful angel and earth will not be the same without his gentle soul. Love to you always, Kiki
Maryann: We were so saddened to learn of the loss of your son, and want you to know that our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Patty Lyons Admans and Laura Alberino Milano
My heart goes out to Karl and all his family and friends. He was a great friend to me and many others in the Sarasota-Bradenton area. I never imagined that when I hung out with him right before he left for the airport to fly back to Connecticut that that would be that last time I’d see him. He will truly be missed.
My heart is heavy for my dear friend and her family. I love you Maryann , my dear friend. This is no ones fault. May Karl find peace . Love Diane
My prayers and thoughts are with you. I am sorry for your loss, and thank you Karl for serving our country. May God Bless you all.
My thoughts and prayers are with Karl and his family. I have a lot of childhood memories that will always be held very close to my heart. God Bless.
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Karl will be missed by all who knew him.
my thoughts and prayers go out to his family. He was my brother in arms and he will truly be missed.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Karl’s family, I have many junior high memories of Karl that I will never forget!! He was a wonderful friend and person! Rest in peace Karl!! You are missed!!
Our Deepest Condolences To The Family, For Our Dear Friend Karl Who Will Be Deeply Missed. Ted & Beth Gonsiewski
Recently I spent a day traveling with Karl, unfortunately we were going to a funeral in Ohio. I was struck by what a nice young man he was and how engaging he was in conversation. He shared some of his future plans with me. After the grief we all shared that weekend I saw him smile and relax with his friends and he seemed so comfortable and at peace. To Mary Anne and Mick, Lauren and Erin know that he was a wonderful young man who was wise beyond his years. We will all miss him.
To the family of Karl Pieper.. He was a great man and good friend. He will be missed by many. He showed me how to shoot an .infantry. m-4 when I first got to 1/502 from my cushy division job. He will share a place in our hearts forever.. LaGow HHC 1/502 2003-2006
you will be missed!
You’ve touched the hearts and souls of many people. You will truly be missed. May God take you and let you live in his kingdom for eternity. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God bless.
A life well lived is not a measure of time but a measure of the man. We are all better off for having Karl amongst us and deeply saddened for loosing him so soon. May God bless him for his selfless and courageous service, and sacrifice for his country and to the forces of good over evil, take him into His arms and bring us comfort with his memories.
Bill & Jean and Maryann & Mickey Patti and I are so sorry for your loss. I have heard great things about Karl over the years. George has kept me up todate on his accomplishments and his service in the Army. I know how proud of him you all are as are all of us that have served. There are few words of comfort I can offer other than to tell you we have you and your families in our prayers. Please take some comfort in knowing Karl was a true American hero and now is in Heaven being comforted by his fellow soldiers, family and friends who have proceeded him. Please except our condolences.
Bill, we are so sorry to hear about your family’s loss. You and your family should all be very proud that Karl turned out to be such a great man. Every day the people of this great country are able to enjoy freedom because of the sacrifices that our service men and women have made. May God crown Karl with peace and everlasting life and may he bless you and your family with comfort knowing that he is in a better place now and that you will meet him again one day. Until then, let us honor his memory by remembering all the joy he brought to the many lives he touched.
Bill, You are in my thoughts today. I am grieved by the loss of your brave, beloved son, and I can’t imagine how painful this must be for you and your family. May fond memories and the passage of time help to heal your broken hearts and bring you peace. With my deepest sympathy, Cheryl
Dear Bill & Jean: My very deepest sympathies for the tragic loss of your son Karl. I will keep you all in my prayers. May God bless your family.
Dear Maryann and micky. We are so sorry for your lose. Are thoughts and prayers are with you. Love Ben Lois Tortora
Dearest Maryann and Family, Though I never met your son, I have the utmost respect and admiration for him. He chose a very difficult path as a soldier. I am sure you are very proud of his great service and dedication to our country. Wishing rest and peace to Karl. I know you were very close. In this hour of sorrow, may you find new courage for each tomorrow. Sincerely sharing your great loss and extending my deepest sympathy.
Hello Mrs. White I heard the news just today and I’m so sorry. I kept thinking about all of the good times growing up together on Forestwood and honestly will never ever forget them. I also remember the time my sister Amy, Nicole, Scott, and I came down to visit all of you in Florida. We had such a good time. So much time has gone by but I want you to know that I’m thinking about you and your family and I really wish that I could tell you all of this in person. Maybe we’ll talk sometime soon. Love to you all, Jenny
I am so sorry to hear of Karls passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
I am so very sorry for your loss. I am saddened to hear about Karl and my heart goes out to all of you. I have many memories of growing up with Karl and I will never forget them.
I am so very sorry for your loss. I have so much love for Karl and will always cherish the times that we spent together. God bless.
I am so very sorry for your loss. No words are quite right, or nearly enough at such a time. But my wish for you is that the time will pass quickly to better days, when happy memories of him will bring joy to your heart and a smile to your face. Fondly, Donna
I am very sorry for your loss. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. May Karl rest in peace.
Karl, in the short time we knew you, you made such an impact on Joey’s life. You were his friend and his mentor. You made him so happy when you helped him study for his ASVAB. He respected you so much as a soldier and a friend and him, and us will miss you and your smile. Godspeed, and watch over Joey as he enters the military. You touched all our lives and we are better people for knowing you.
Lauren, I am sorry to hear about the loss of your brother..My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family
Maryann, Even though we have not formally met you as of yet, we are thinking of you during this difficult time. With Deepest Sympathy… (Tommy & Michele’s Neighbors)
Maryann, Mary Kay and I express our condolences to you and your family. May God comfort you and your loved ones during this time and may he enrich you with limitless memories. Your son is a true hero !
Maryann, So sorry to hear about your son. I cannot even imagine what you are going through. Keeping you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Mike and Maureen
MaryAnn, We have spoken so often about our boys and I have always respected your opinions and advice when it comes to mothering a son. My heart is broken for you my dear friend. Here I am whenever, wherever. Susan
Mick:It was great to speak earlier today.Please remember we are all thinking of you in our prayers.Hang in there Cinque.Hope to see you soon.Doc.
Mickey: My thoughts and prayers are with you all us DEKE brothers share your sorrow. Please count on us for any help you need.
My hear goes out to the family, loved ones and friends of Karl Pieper. What a difficult loss, made more difficult by how much he was loved.
My thought and prayers and with all of you. I’m extremely sorry for you lose. Lauren, if you need anything please don’t hesitate to call me.
Pieps, We are greatfull for Karl’s service and sorry for your loss and for all ouer’s loss. Torg & Margo
So many memories of Karl as a dear, happy child…… and memories of you, Maryann, as his loving, caring mother. Our love and prayers are with you and your family.
To the Trocchio/Pieper family, Our deepest condolences to your families. Thank you for your son’s unselfish service. Wishing you peace. Mary, Michael, Alex and Dean Sewitz
We are friends of Mickey and although we did not have the honor of meeting Karl, we are deeply saddened by the sudden loss of such a nice young man. Please accept our deepest sympathy and condolences for your loss. We will keep Karl and all of you in our prayers. May he rest in peace.
We are so sorry for the loss of your son/brother. We can only imagine how dificult this is for all of you and wanted you all to know that our thoughts and prayers go out to. Sincerly – Jim, Linda, Jeff and Brett Bradanini
We are so sorry for your loss, please accept are condolences on this very difficult time ..Please know that God can guide you threw your rough times.. Lauren if you need anything please do not hesitate to call us if you need to..203 449-8289..
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Bonnie and Dave Reitzel
We are so sorry to hear of your loss, your family is in our prayers. Lauren words can not say how sorry I am that this happened, if you need anything please don’t hesitate to call With Deepest sympathy, Corie & Perry Kokenos
We are sorry for your loss. We send our deepest sympathies to you and your family during a time such as this. Pieper was a very respected and charasmatic person, who served his country proudly. —Sgt Brown, Florine on behalf of 2nd Plt Cadre, A Co, Warrior Transition Battalion
we were so saddened to hear about Karl.. He is a good friend and we love him so much… David & Melody
Words can’t express how deeply sorry we are for your loss. Your family remains in our thoughts and prayers.
Beverly and I were saddened to hear of the passing of Karl. We are proud to have known him and proud of his service to our country. Please know that you have our support and love during this difficult time. Beverly and Tom Wellen
Dear Maryann and family,could not believe my eyes when i read in the paper about Karl,i remember that little handsome boy so long ago.My heartfelt sympathy to you all.Love Lara Miner
Karl was a great soldier and one of the best friends a person could ask for. If anybody needed anything he was there to help without a question. Not only did I consider him a friend, but I also considered him a brother. Karl will be terribly missed and his memory will remain in my heart forever. May Karl rest in peace. To the Pieper family: You are all in my family’s prayers, and if any of you need absolutely anything whatsoever, please do not hesitate to give me a call. Erin has my phone number. May you find comfort in knowing that Karl is with God now. God Bless You.
Karl was a soldier,family member, and true friend. We will miss him. We will never forget what he sacrificed for us. Karl is a hero to us. We are truely sorry that we could not attend the service. We are filled with sorrow for your loss.
Karl was one of those unique spirits that we were each blessed to have in our lives. He will always be missed, and I hold your family in my prayers.
Karl, I miss you more with each passing day. My heart hurts more than I could ever put into words. Although that pain will never go away, I will use the stregnth you displayed everyday to help me carry on. You were the strongest person I knew and I could never be more proud to call anyone my brother. Life will never be the same with out you, however each and everyone of us in the family, will carry you in our hearts forever. Someday I will tell my children of their courageous Uncle Karl, who not only touched the hearts of everyone he met, but displayed strength and honor in every aspect of his life, especially the battlefield. I love Karl. Your sister, Becky
Maryann, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your son. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Teresa
Maryann, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Sincerely, Holly
MaryAnn, I am very sorry to hear about the loss of your son. My prayers are with you and your family.
MaryAnn, One day at a time, Sweet Jesus. One hour, one second. Mar~ my heart cries out so much for you. There are no words. We just found out today or would have been there for you. When you can breath, and you WILL be able to breath again, know that many hearts are with you and here if you need us. I look at this list of hearts reaching to you and your family with these condolences and I know God will give you the strength to endure. With all this LOVE around you for you and in memory of Karl, Godspeed to all of you in this time of sorrow. When you are ready: loradesandre@msn.com
Maryann, So sorry to hear of the loss of your son. My heartfelt sympathies are with you and you will certainly be in my thoughts and prayers. We were all saddened to hear of your loss. Please let me know if I can help you out in anyway. Thoughtfully, Katie Nardi
MaryAnn-I am so sorry to learn of your loss, please accept our deepest sympathy to you and your family. You were so supportive when our Mother, Dorothy Rapuano, was at Hospice in Branford. I hope it comforts you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
My Condolences to the family and loved ones of SGT Pieper. Deep Regards, The Gould family
My reading from Karl’s funeral: As Karl has departed the entrapments of our physical world, he is able to embody more of the Karl we hold in our hearts. There may e anger that resides within us, that stems from this unexpected circumstance. We may claim that it was or it was not his time to leave in an effort to console ourselves or others. We even may blame this event on selfishness or an addiction. Still these are but interpretations of Karl’s departure from this earthly world., and not acceptance of it. Today let us accept Karl’s life and death. Let his impacts wash over us and sink into our roots, like a fresh rain to parched soil. Let us find acceptance as a gift to Karl and ourselves. Let even his death serve to teach us about our own depths, and our own strengths to overcome. We can search ourselves today and become stronger by rebuilding. Underneath all of Karl’s pain was a pure sense of joy and excitement for life; underneath his pain was a deep rooted sense of love and pride for all of those people who stood beside him through all his trials and tribulations. We are here right now, and we stood besides him. Today, do not ask yourself what you could have done to stop this from happening, don’t wish for what you didn’t have with him or regret what you did, don’t forget any part of what made him Karl, remember him like a fresh rain.
The Pieper Family, Life is so short and fragile. For those who pass on, it is comforting to know in our hearts that it is only a passing from this life to the next. Among those of us that believe In Heaven and wait to see them on the other side. That is why we never use the word …Goodbye…instead…we would just say; …Until we meet again… My Deepest Sympathies, Laura
To the family of Karl; you are in our prayers. May the love of those around you help you through the days ahead. Karl was an amazing person and friend. He will be greatly missed and never forgotten.
You are in my prayers.
Dear Maryann, Mickey & family. Mark and I were so sorry to hear about your loss. Karl had many wonderful accomplishments for such a young man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time. With our deepest sympathy, Kathleen & Mark Conlin
Maryann,Mick,Erin and Lauren, I sit here now in this hotel room chasing down another baseball prospect.Somehow today it just doesn’t mean a whole lot.I have been looking at pictures of K-man on his Facebook and MySpace pages and the tears have come.I will miss the constant bantering with my young friend.I will miss that great smile.I will miss his energy.But I have a mind that will allow me to replay those memories over and over.The memories are all good.Those memories will turn the tears into smiles and laughter.When I think of Karl it will be in a positive light and that will bring joy to my soul.He was a true hero of mine and I can’t tell you glad I was to have the chance to tell him that on the phone a few months ago.And when I pass from this world to the one that i know the Lord has prepared for us,I know Karl will be one of the ones waiting for me.He will be waiting for me with a basketball in his hand.We will both be young again and will play one on one.Then i will take the ball to the hoop and dunk right over him.Then he will get the ball and dunk right over me….man,that sounds like fun.
My wife and I were fortunate enough to meet Karl while we were visiting in Kentucky, along with the whole group that went overseas together. We remember his smiling face, even though he was getting around on crutches. I’m so proud of these men, and envious of the closeness and bond that they share. Something most of us will never have. We would like to express how sorry we are, and the sadness we feel over your loss. Sincerely, Rick & Lonna
To Pieper’s Family-Although we have not met, we shared the journey of our sons deployments and witnessed the bond of brotherhood that only they can know. Words cannot express our sympathy. May God’s peace and strength surround you. We honor Pieper’s life and his honor to duty, friends, family and country. Family of Robb Jorgensen.
I met karl some time ago and have heard about his past years from my son, Nathan Knight. Karl did a lot in his lifetime. my respects to his friends,family and comrads
Mare and Mick, How your hearts must be breaking. We are so sorry. Dennis was also Airborne, so he and Karl are brothers-in-arms. We have great memories of that Forestwood Dr. gang of kids, of which Karl was an integral part, in Strongsville
Maryann… How we wish we could have been with you at the services. We wanted to hold you and tell you that we feel your pain. You are very special to us and that makes Karl special also. See you when we get back. God bless you and your family. Love Terry and Joe
To the Family of Karl- I met Karl in 1998 as we lived across the hall from each other at UCONN. From there on, we developed a friendship that had us as roomates a year later. After school ended, we kept in touch for a little while, but then lost touch. I now know that it was after he enrolled in the army. Over the years, I tried to find him, but could not. I was deeply saddened when I learned that he had past away. I always just figured that eventually we would find one another and pick up where we left off. I now know that our reunion will be put off for a little while longer. Karl was a great friend and he had a great heart. I am truly sorry for the loss that you must feel and hope that knowing what he meant to so many people, gives you strength as you go through life. I regret not looking harder to find Karl so that I may have met up with him again. I will always have the memories that we shared and his spirit will live on in all of us. I am proud to say that Karl was my friend.
A great man and wonderful friend to me throughout my childhood. So sad to lose him.
To the Friends and Family of SGT. Karl Barrett Pieper, I would like to send my sincerest condolences to the Pieper’s family. No words can describe how much I will miss him and I will forever cherish the moments I’ve accompanied with him. Karl is like a brother to me. I love and never will forget him.
Wow, I had no idea that Karl had gone on to be so accomplished in the military. What a sad and unfortunate loss for his friends and family. This is definitely a reminder to appreciate everyone we love, every day.
It has been six weeks since you left us…it will take the rest of our lives, if ever to accept your death. You were my life,a special gift to me. .There is no greater love than that of a mother’s.. May the peace of heaven keep you safe… May you continue to watch over us and send us special signs. I will see you someday my child…meet me at the gate! love forever Moma
Bill and family, We saw the sad news of Karl’s passing in the latest Assembly magazine. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. We look back fondly to our days together at Ft Bliss and when we visited you at WP when you were teaching English. While we did not know Karl, we know he is an American hero, now with God, family and a host of other heroes who selflessly served so that the rest of us might enjoy our freedoms and way of life. May he rest in peace knowing that he touched all of us.
A life well lived is not a measure of time but a measure of the man. We are all better off for having Karl amongst us and deeply saddened for loosing him so soon. May God bless him for his selfless and courageous service, and sacrifice for his country and to the forces of good over evil, take him into His arms and bring us comfort with his memories.
Dear Maryann and micky. We are so sorry for your lose. Are thoughts and prayers are with you. Love Ben Lois Tortora
Maryann, Even though we have not formally met you as of yet, we are thinking of you during this difficult time. With Deepest Sympathy… (Tommy & Michele’s Neighbors)
MaryAnn, We have spoken so often about our boys and I have always respected your opinions and advice when it comes to mothering a son. My heart is broken for you my dear friend. Here I am whenever, wherever. Susan
To the Friends and Family of SGT. Karl Barrett Pieper, I would like to send my sincerest condolences to the Pieper’s family. No words can describe how much I will miss him and I will forever cherish the moments I’ve accompanied with him. Karl is like a brother to me. I love and never will forget him.