John Pepe, a lifetime Plainfield resident, graduated from Plainfield High School and Penn State University where he excelled in a variety of sports. His athletic achievements are truly remarkable in their variety and excellence.

In wrestling, John never lost a dual meet bout in high school or prep school, and lost only one dual meet at Penn State. He was a high school State Champion, New Jersey AAU Champion, National Prep School Champion, Eastern Intercollegiate Champion and placed second and third in the NCAA Championship. He was recognized at Penn State as a two time All American. His athletic talents extend beyond the wrestling mat when he entered and won the college boxing championship. Following college, John played professional football with the New Jersey Oaks when he weighed perhaps 150-pounds. Nevertheless, his teammates selected him team captain and twice he was voted the league MVP.

John began coaching wrestling as an assistant at Union High School in 1957, moving the next year to Plainfield High School where he settled in for eleven years as head coach earning a significant reputation as an excellent wrestling coach. His teams won five District titles. His wrestlers won 52 individual District Championships, 10 Region titles, and 4 State Championships. When his coaching days ended, John turned to officiating where he quickly became one of the premier officials in the state working Districts, Regions, and State tournaments.

John, who thoroughly enjoys working with young people, served as the Plainfield Superintendent of Recreation from 1971 until his retirement in 1994. He was responsible for the establishment and management of a citywide youth wrestling program for young adolescents. From 1963 until the present he has served as the Sports Director of station WERA which broadcasts daily local, state, national, and international sports news.

His honors are many: Plainfield High School Hall of Fame, Penn State University Hall of Fame, NJSIAA Honor Award, UNICOS Man of the Year Award, Frederick C. Sutro Award for Outstanding Service in behalf of the New Jersey Recreation and Parks Association, and honorary member of the Society for Collegiate Journalists.