Here are the ingredients:
One Father
One teenage son
2 pairs of boxing gloves
Sounds like a recipe for disaster. Or a dad who wants to knock some sense into his kid.
That’s what I thought when I first heard about this upcoming father/son boxing match. But there’s more to the story than meets the eye.
IN THIS CORNER: The Dad
Wearing boxing gloves in the ring……he’s more often found wearing an oven mitt.
Rich Pepe: restauranteur, winemaker, Mr. Italy—is the man behind Carmel’s most popular restaurant, Little Napoli.
Maybe being Italian explains the Rocky Balboa thing.
Outside the ring, Pepe is far more famous for the punch in his spaghetti sauce.
Add to the mix: the boxing match is for charity….to raise money for the Kinship Center in Salinas.
Pepe boxed last year for the first time, against former heavyweight champ Riddick Bowe. This year he agreed to do it again, in a special match against his own son.
It sounds pretty hard-line—but I’ve known Pepe and his family for 15 years. Truthfully, as a dad, he’s a total pushover.
IN THIS CORNER: The Son
Gian Pepe, known as G…..no longer wearing his Little League uniform; he’s now a college freshman at UC Berkeley. Known for less violent sports….like tennis, I’m not sure G has ever been in a boxing match.
But he definitely is a fighter.
At age 5, he took on cancer—childhood leukemia. That’s when his dad— in solidarity— shaved his head and started sporting the bald look he’s kept ever since.
G kicked cancer’s butt—and maybe he’s looking to kick some more. After watching his dad in the ring last year, G decided to join him at the gym.
I picture them bloodied and bruised, but Rich says it’s great exercise and they don’t hit each other hard or get hurt. In fact, he says: ” I’ve played, and coached G in sports all his life; boxing has been the most bonding thing we’ve ever done together.”
Go figure. Turns out that:
Father + teenage son + boxing gloves: is a recipe for love.
In the Pepe family, who will be Lord of the Ring? Personally, I think they’re both champs.
Great story – should be an equally great event for a great cause.
Sorry, I can’t make this fight, but I’m hoping there will be a re-match that I can attend.
Il Capo.
Hey Pep! Great article… I’ve been telling my coworkers about the bout, and now I have the story behind it. I’m so sorry that I won’t be driving up to see the fight, but I wish you the best (I’m sending a number of very large icepacks, take Aleve to relieve the swelling)… Love to all – T
From way back in high school in the early 60’s, your sister, Joanne, and I have been friends. We reconnected a few years ago and I’ve come to know you and your family from the wonderful stories she tells about you. Needless to say, she is a very proud sister and I can certainly understand why. God bless you and your family !!!!
Pep, how thrilled i was to get the article. i can’t believe how the years have gone by since we met at the Carmel Valley Racquet Club in 1975. This brings back many memories of Tennis with you and many sports activities with G and Christian. Your wedding to Sandra, my Godchild, and the Baptism of Christian.G could always find a way to beat me in most sports and he showed a lot of love while doing it . It had been 5 years since my Karin joined your parents in heaven. She often mentioned how much she enjoyed the wonderful meal you prepared when you all visited us in Hilton Head Island. I treasure our times together and look forward to my next trip to Carmel.I was there at the beginning and take pride in http://breast-cancer.alltop.com/seeing your professional journey and the great parenting job you and Sandra achieved. i am proud to be your friend. i wish you continued success in all areas of your life. It is a joy to see how the boys have grown to be such fine young men but i am not surprised. i will share this with Rico and Olaf,.
Auguri ai tutte due!
Pepe:
Amore, dear cousin! Great story, well written! I am proud of both of you! Wish I was in California for the big event…but, someone has to keep an eye on the Jersey family. Will be thinking of you guys. Say hello to the family for me. See you when you make your next trip to Jersey. Cousin Theresa is worried about you guys! Go easy on each other!
See you soon.
Chuckie
Love reading these comments from friends and family–
I don’t speak Italian but I know one perfect word for Rich Pepe that should translate—- mensch.
Rich,
Remember me? Joann can’t brag enough about you and all you do. Keep the stories coming, I enjoy them so much. Maybe someday we’ll make a stop in Little Napoli!
Carolyn