Lewis was a titan of a man. He was beloved by all around him: family, friends, and anyone he ever met. He was the best man that many of us will ever know with the highest integrity, compassion, and loyalty.
He spent much of his life working, reaching the top ranks at the Stark & Stark law firm, but his passion in life was that for his family. He never missed a football or basketball game, a theater production or a CrossFit competition. He was the rock of our family and provided us all with advice and action when things were both hard and easy. He taught us patience. He will be missed to the moon and back.
Lewis is survived by his wife Rita, his children and their spouses: Michael and Stacey Pepperman, Jessica Pepperman and Kevin Anderson, David and Lyndsey Pepperman, and Alexander; his grandchildren Whitney, Megan, Callie, Tessa, and Samantha, and his mother Elaine and brother Ken and sister-in-law Amy. He is predeceased by his sister Anita McMillan and father Phil Pepperman. Lewis passed peacefully surrounded by family.
Due to health restrictions, funeral services will be private on Thursday, August 27 at 11:00 am at Orland’s Ewing Memorial Chapel, 1534 Pennington Road, Ewing Township, NJ. The service will be available for streaming via Zoom, please see below for details.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests memorial contributions be made to:
The University of Pennsylvania Abramson Cancer Center. Please use bit.ly/LewisPepperman
One of the kindessed smartest funniest guy s I’ve had the privilege to have met and called my friend ….who has done so much for my family in all aspects ..so many great memories that are in my heart head and soul ….never forgotten
I am sure I am not alone in expressing my affection and respect for Lew. I knew him only professionally, but with Lew that was to know him personally as his humanity and kindness were ever present. I am so sad tonight.
Dear Rita and family,
Our hearts are with you as we remember Lew and the fine, outstanding man he was. He meant so much to me and to Alan. Lew was also a very kind man and a wonderful attorney and boss to work with and for. We are very sad to learn he is no longer with us. We shall always cherish our memories of Lew. With much love, Judith and Alan
From my very first introduction to Lewis I realised that I was in the company of a truly genuine man. Lewis had a superb grasp on family life, working life and, for me, sporting life. His temperament was second to none and I know that I have been privileged to have spent time with such a much respected individual. Lewis – thanks for times I spent with you.
Lew was very special . He was warm and caring. A great family man,lawyer and mediator. Years ago we were on opposite sides of a 96 day nonjury trial of a major construction case involving the West Windsor sewer system. At no time was he anything but prepared,pleasant and cooperative even though on opposite sides. He will be missed
Bruce Schragger.
Lew was a wonderful person, and a Mediator without parallel. During the course of a difficult protracted foreclosure/fraud mediation in Mercer County, resolution hinged upon the partipcation of the U.S. Housing and Urban Development in the process, which is a near impossibility. Counsel for the lender boasted that he would buy Lew a new car if he was able to accomplish this feat. Lew promptly secured the participation of the HUD representative in the mediation proceeding and their compromise, and facilitated a settlement between all parties. Whenever I saw Lew thereafter, he lamented that he was still waiting for his new car. His passing is a loss not just to his friends and family, but to all the people he helped who never met him.
The loss of Lew Pepperman is a great one to the legal community in Mercer County. Lew was a volunteer mediator for the foreclosure mediation program in Mercer County and continued to donate his time to resolve cases for many years. He was also my go-to mediator whenever I had a difficult chancery case that I was hoping would resolve before trial. He would not give up in terms of efforts he would make to settle a case. Lew told me that mediation was probably his favorite part of practicing law because he loved bringing people together in compromise, allowing them to move forward with their lives, and helping the courts in the process. His insight, experience, and understanding led him to acknowledge the interests of both sides in a mediation and to be trusted by the parties and the attorneys involved. And his humanity, kindness, and professional courtesy always shone through. I will always remember him as a great human being and wonderful friend. I extend my deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and colleagues at Stark & Stark. Mary C. Jacobson, A.J.S.C.
I knew Lew as a local attorney in more than a few mediation matters. I was always impressed by his kind and informed approach to clients and attorneys. I am saddened by this loss to his family, friends and the local legal community. He will be missed by all of us.
I was very saddened to learn of Lew’s passing. My wife Faith and I extend our sympathy to Rita, and all of Lew’s family. Lew was a very kind, and very caring person, who had the ability to minimize the stress a client was undergoing due to difficult legal issues. Lew and I had an ongoing professional relationship for over 25 years. My legal practice was intellectual property. We sent one another clients who needed our particular legal services. My clients had nothing but praise for Lew’s handling of their general legal problems, and always remarked how much they enjoyed Lew not just as their attorney, but as to the personal relationship they had with Lew, who always put them at ease. I know this to be true, in that Lew represented me against a very difficult attorney interfering with my relationship with a client. Lew put me at ease, and quickly resolved my issues with this attorney.
I first met Lew when we were both new to the firm, at the Broad Street Bank building. My respect and affection for Lew only grew throughout the years. I am so sorry, Rita, for your loss. My sincere condolences to you and your family. I know Lew will be missed by many.
I met Lew many years ago when he was appointed as a mediator in one of my cases. Needless to say, we then became fast friends, referred matters to each other and worked on matters together. He was a one of a kind. No question a superb mediator and attorney, as well as the heart and soul of his firm, but that was all just the icing on the cake. Lew was a mensch – a class act and a gentlemen, with a sense of humor who simply got life and was able to put everything in perspective. Heaven just got whole lot better yesterday, as it gained one of our best. Will truly miss Lew. My thoughts and prayers go to his family and all those who knew him and mourn his loss. Rest In Peace my friend.
We were shocked and saddened to hear of Lew’s passing. He was a wonderful person and will be missed. Our thoughts are with you. May his memory be for a blessing.
Lew and Rita were one of the first couples I met in New Jersey and I will always remember how wonderful and welcoming they were. They always knew how to throw a great party and the full body armor in their foyer always scared me. Lew was a wonderful man and a fantastic father. I am sure he will be missed greatly by his family and friends. Much love to all.
I am so sorry to hear this sad news, Lew mediated a number of cases for me and he was the best. Just a good human being, with a great sense of humor. I know his friends, family and colleagues will miss him greatly. Please accept my sincere sympathies.
I was shocked and so sad when a neighbor called me to inform me of Lew’s passing.My heart goes out to Rita and the family. Lew always waved to me from his car and had a smile on his face. I am sure that he is smiling now learning from family and friends how much he is missed and loved. My thoughts are with you Rita and your entire family.
Rita,
Brenda and I are so sad to learn of Lew’s passing. I just spoke with him last week regarding a new job for which I was interviewing. He was such a great man. You always felt like you were talking to a regular guy when you spoke with Lew. He never had any pretense or ego and was always willing to do whatever he could do to help you. He had the highest level of integrity and always gave you a straight answer whether you wanted to hear it or not – that is a true friend.
The last time I saw him in person was at a Yankee game we attended together. We met and took the train from Princeton Junction to NYC. On our way home, we just missed a train at Penn Station NYC and did not arrive home until 1:00 am. I was fine with it because it gave me more time to catch up with him. He loved you so much and was so proud of his children and grandchildren. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to you, your children and your entire family.
With much sadness,
Cary, Brenda, Evan & Michael Lenkeit
My condolences to Lew’s family. I am one of the many attorneys to whom Lew treated with courtesy and graciousness. I am sorry that the current pandemic makes a traditional funeral impossible. I know that attendance would include many, many attorneys who respected Lew. I’m sure his children will honor the qualities that made Lew the man who so many respected and admired.
Dear Rita,
When notified of Lew’s passing, our family was deeply saddened. Being one of the original “Oak Ridge Park” neighbors, Lew was always an integral part of the community. Whether it be providing legal guidance or planning the Annual July 4th Tractor Parade, he always had a way of bringing everyone together with a smile. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
The Vitella’s
Rita and Family,
Alyssa and I wish to extend our heartfelt condolensces to you and the kids. A better man was never made. Lawyer, gentlemen, friend and so much more. The years of legal service of the highest and creative quality that Lew provided to our personal and business needs in the good years, then coupled with the generous good will of the firm to save us from impending disaster in the lean years will never be forgotten by all in my home. We could not have survived without this great man. We are and remain forever grateful to Lew Pepperman.
May his memory forever be a blessing and may we always remember his name.
Mark
Words are inadequate to express our sadness, our condolences to Rita and the entire family or to describe this wonderful, wonderful lawyer, friend and partner.
I have never met, not do I think I will ever meet another person who was a genuine, humble and competent as Lew. RIP my friend until that day that we can all spend Christmas Eve together again.
My condolences to Lew’s family. He was my mentor when I sought to become a New Jersey mediator and I remain highly appreciative of his kind service. His leadership, legal skills, and graciousness are quality standards for all.
I’m deeply saddened to learn of Lew’s passing. He was as consistently kind, thoughtful, thorough, and generous as any attorney in my acquaintance. He was also a really nice guy to have lunch with. My condolences to his family, of whom he often spoke, and to his colleagues and friends.
So deeply saddened to hear of Lew’s passing. He was a gentle sole and always walked the hallways with a smile and always said hello. Let will be deeply missed by many. Deepest condolences to the whole Pepperman family. RIP Mr. P.
Lew was a great friend and supporter of NAMI Mercer. He touched the lives of so many people with his kindness and generosity. The world has lost a great man. Wishing peace, comfort, and love to the whole Pepperman family!
We are so sad to hear about Lew passing. He was such a kind and wonderful man! We shared some great times and we have great memories! He loved his family and his family loved him so much! We will miss him and we send our prayers and our love to Rita and all the Pepperman family!
I am so sorry to hear about this.
Growing up, many basement sleepovers, pool hangouts, whiffle ball games, you name it were held at the Pepperman Home. Every kid that walked through their door was made to feel welcome and like part of the family. All these years (20+) later all I have are amazing memories of Mr. Pepperman and the whole family and time spent enjoying their company. My love and thoughts are with you all during this incredibly difficult time.
My family and I extend our deepest condolences to Rita, Michael, Jessica, David, Alex, Elaine, Ken and all who Lew has touched. Lew and I were friends for 50 years………for 4 of those years we shared an apartment. A better friend/roommate/mentor does not exist. Whoever wrote his obituary above got it right. Lew was a titan. He was of enormous strength, being the guiding force for so many. In his shortened life, he touched all who knew him and made each of us a better person. What better legacy could there be.
With sincere condolences to Rita and family, I can attest that Lew was so much more than my law partner; he was a gentleman in a world longing for civility. His door was always open. He was there for you when needed. Lew led by example as no one worked harder and carried it so well. A titan indeed.
Dear Rita and family:
Lew was a mensch in every sense of the word. His family came first in every regard despite his dedication to his profession. Few of us had the luxury or audacity to have a separate phone just for family, but that’s how important family was to Lew. I no doubt know that we need not tell you that. He not only valued his family, but the family of those around. While he was admired by all for his skill as an attorney, he never forgot who he was and who we were. A mensch! Be well. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Dear Rita and family
I feel like part of the family. All the good times that I was part of, and now the sad. Lewis was a great guy and I’m glad that he was part of his life
Much love to all of you Fran Cohen
Rita and family,
On behalf of Kelly and my family (who Lew “adopted” as his own), I want to extend my most heartfelt condolences to you and your family. As you know – and as everyone who was blessed to have known or spent time with Lew knows – there are not enough good words to describe Lew. I have struggled to formulate words that I feel adequately pay tribute to Lew, appropriately honor Lew, or aptly describe the feelings I have for Lew. He was everything good. He is and was one of the best men I have ever known. He was a mentor, partner, friend and father-figure to me. Lew, his guidance, tutelage, wisdom, professionalism, friendship and kindness will be dearly missed. I will pay tribute to Lew by doing my best to emulate him, and specifically by treating others the way Lew always treated us. Lew’s legacy will live on through you, through Stark & Stark, and through all the fond memories we have of him.
May peace be with you, and may Lew rest in peace.
I served with Lew on the Supreme Court Complimentary Dispute Resolution Committee for many years. I asked him to be a member of the Mediatory Standards Advisory Committee. He served admirably on both for years. He was always thoughtful with incite and wisdom and was of course a nice person. I will miss him. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
My deepest condolences for your loss. I met Lew when I was a summer associate at Stark & Stark. He was a great mentor, a true professional, and an individual whom others should try to emulate. Watching Lew mediate cases was one of the hallmark moments of my time at the firm – he was patient, professional and courteous to all parties even in the most difficult situations. My thoughts and prayers are with Lew’s family. He will be missed.
There are people whose humanity shines. Those who are kind, compassionate, empathetic, and giving of themselves for others. Lew was such a person. He was a true mensch. He used his legal career to help people.
My sincerest sympathies to his family. You are fortunate to have had an extraordinary husband, father and grandfather. The world is better because of him.
In a world where genuine role models are increasingly elusive, I feel truly Blessed that “Uncle” Lew was, and forever shall be, a gold standard — domestically, professionally, morally, civically and spiritually — for my sons, Scotty and Luke. My most heartfelt condolences, thoughts and prayers are with Rita and family and all who cherish Lew as my family does. Heaven has gained a rare Angel indeed ….
Rita and family; We were shocked to find out Lou Passed away.We are so sorry for your loss.Our prayers and thoughs go out to you.
My deepest condolences to the Pepperman family. Lew will be greatly missed. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Rita and Family. We are saddened to hear of Lews passing. Our thoughts are with you. Aggie & Joe
My condolences to the Pepperman family.
I had the privilege of meeting Lew in a single litigation a couple of years ago.
While we were adversaries, he imbued professionalism in all aspects of being a lawyer. He respected you and you in turn respected him. Even the idle chit chat that we engaged in while waiting for the judge was meaningful.
Obviously, I was impressed. I am grateful to have known him for that limited time.
My condolences to Lew’s family and friends. I did not know Lew well but attended his annual mediation training programs. He was a gentlemen who generously shared his wisdom. My thoughts are with you. May he rest in peace.
Devastated to hear this news. Lew became my attorney a few years ago during a crucial time. Not only did he achieve an outcome others thought was impossible, but he advocated for me with every ounce of his being. He treated me like family, like a son. It was an indescribable feeling to have him on my side. I can only imagine the loss for his family and his friends. He was a true light in this world.