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Joshua David Pepin, 54, of Natick, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, January 14, 2026.
Born in Johnson City, NY, he was the beloved son of David R. and Kathleen E. (Bower) Pepin. Joshua David Pepin lived a life defined by curiosity, dedication, friendship, and, above all, love for his family. He will be missed forever by all who were fortunate enough to know him.
Josh, also known as “Pep,” grew up in Hopkinton, NH. He was a sweet and curious boy who was deeply loved by his parents and family. He excelled in school, played endless rounds of golf at Duston’s, and was a hard worker—delivering newspapers at age 11, stacking wood into perfect piles, mowing lawns, and shoveling snow for neighbors. Josh loved music and was known around the neighborhood for singing along with his favorite band, U2. He had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh, finding joy in even the most ordinary moments. He especially delighted in making his two younger sisters laugh until they were in tears. The Pepin family enjoyed many years of fun vacations on Block Island, where Josh loved boogie boarding and swimming in the ocean for hours on end.
Josh had wonderful lifelong friends, including Chris Franz, Mike Steg, and Matt Gross. Meaningful discussions and endless hours of listening to music often kept them up late into the night.
Josh graduated as salutatorian from Hopkinton High School in Hopkinton, New Hampshire, where he played baseball and basketball and was a member of the math team. Always a lover of learning, he spent summers at St. Paul’s School and Phillips Exeter Academy. Josh went on to attend Middlebury College, earning degrees in Philosophy and Mathematics. During his time at Middlebury, he was co-captain of the Middlebury Golf Team and a member of the dive team. It was there that he formed many lifelong friendships that meant so much to him throughout his life. In recent years, he and his closest Middlebury friends vacationed together with their families.
Following Middlebury, Josh earned a Master’s degree in Public Policy from Duke University. He found great fulfillment working with Laotian refugees through AmeriCorps/VISTA. Josh lived in Raleigh, NC, and Arlington, VA, for many years before returning to the Boston area, where he began a consulting career he enjoyed for many years. Later, he made a career transition, during which he met his future wife, Jennifer, at a meeting in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
Jen and Josh built a life filled with adventure, laughter, and deep partnership. They shared a love of international travel, biking, hiking, and experiencing new places together. They were married on September 7, 2013, and made their home in Natick, Massachusetts, in 2014.
Josh’s life was forever changed when he became a father to Maddie and later to Noah. He was an extraordinary dad and his children’s number one fan. Josh poured his heart into being present for them—coaching Maddie’s softball team, cheering at swim meets, shooting hoops in the driveway with Noah, and spending quiet hours drawing airplanes and trucks together. From softball, baseball, golf, flag football, basketball, swimming, and tennis to backyard games, camping trips, tree climbing, and spontaneous adventures, Josh was always there—engaged, enthusiastic, and full of joy.
Josh was a devoted son-in-law, deeply loved by Jennifer’s parents, who cherished him as if he were their own son.
We can picture Josh sitting in his beautiful backyard by his fire pit, relaxing as he looks up at the trees and stars in the night sky. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father and brother, loyal friend, supportive son, and a man who gave generously of himself. His kindness, sense of humor, and boundless love will continue to live on in the many lives he touched. He will be missed forever.
Joshua is predeceased by his beloved father and friend Dave. He is survived by his wife Jennifer Christine Pepin (Kenyon). He was the loving father to Madelyn and Noah Pepin. Beloved son of Kathy Pepin (Bower), of Westborough, formerly of Willington, Ct. Cherished brother of Abby Khandelwahl and her husband Deepak, of Westborough and Meg Boggess and her husband Chris, of Holliston. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews, Malini and Bodhi (both Khandelwal) and Adele and Elijah (both Boggess).
Visiting Hours at the John Everett & Sons Funeral Home, 4 Park Street, NATICK COMMON, on Friday, January 30, 2026, from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm. A Funeral Service will be held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 39 E. Central St., Natick on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 10:00 am. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Interment following at Glenwood Cemetery, Natick.
For online guestbook and directions, please visit: www.everettfuneral.com
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