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.