John M. Kepple Sr.

SOUTH PORTLAND - John Kepple Sr., 81, passed away on December 31, 2024, after a long battle with congestive heart failure at Maine Medical Center in Portland, Maine, surrounded by his loved ones.

Born on July 27, 1943, in Warren, Ohio, he was the son of Murray and Mable (Beagle) Kepple. John graduated from Warren G. Harding High School in the Class of 1961. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and was stationed at Dow Air Force Base in Bangor, Maine. It was there that he met his future wife, Shirley (Candellari) Kepple, while working at Zayres. They married on September 12, 1964, and shared 56 years of marriage before Shirley’s passing in 2021. Together, they raised their four children in Old Town, Maine, where they lived for 30 years.

John had a successful career as a salesman for Kraft Foods, from which he retired after many years of service. He was also deeply involved in his children's lives, coaching and serving as President of Old Town Little League Baseball, acting as a pack leader for the Boy Scouts, and officiating for Old Town Swimming. His love for sports extended to a lifelong passion for the Boston Red Sox, and he enjoyed collecting baseball cards and memorabilia. John found great joy in supporting his children and grandchildren at their various activities and cherished time spent with them.

He will be remembered for his warm sense of humor, his loving teasing nature, and the affectionate nicknames he gave to his family and friends.

In addition to his parents and wife Shirley, John was predeceased by his sister, Margaret Tincher. He is survived by his sons, John Kepple Jr. and his wife, Stacy, of Virginia Beach, Virginia, Todd Kepple and his wife, Dawn, of Litchfield, New Hampshire, Adam Kepple and his wife, Anna, of Denver, Colorado, and his daughter, Erin Nicholas and her husband, John, of Windham, Maine. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Noah, Owen, Athena, Bryce, Demi, Aiden, John III (Tre), Grace, and Ander, along with many nieces and nephews.

John's legacy of love, humor, and devotion to family will forever be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. The family would like to thank the nurses and providers on the Cardiac ICU at Maine Medical Center.