Albert "Pat" Patterson Peppler
Albert “Pat” Patterson Peppler, age 93, passed away peacefully under hospice care in Stuart, Florida on June 23, 2015. He was born on April 16, 1922 in Baltimore, MD.
He was preceded in death by his father, mother, 2 sisters, and a great granddaughter.
Pat spent his summers as a youngster in Emmitsburg, Maryland. His passion was baseball. He attended high school in Shorewood, Wisconsin and attended college at Michigan State University where he played varsity baseball and varsity basketball. Part way through college, Pat proudly served his country in the United States Army Air Corps, where he was an Instructor Pilot. After completing college, he spent a short time playing minor league baseball, where he met his lifelong friend, Robin Roberts.
Pat went on to be head football coach and won state championships at both East Lansing and Grant high schools in Michigan. Following this success, he worked as assistant head football coach for North Carolina State University. While there, the 1957 team won the ACC championship which saved the football program at State. Throughout his lifetime, ”Coach” continued his contact with these players and attended their annual reunion. In 1962, Pat spent a season at Wake Forest as the Defensive Line Coach prior to accepting the job from Vince Lombardi to become Director of Player Personnel for the Green Bay Packers. The Packers won 3 National Championships, including Super Bowls I and II. Vince Lombardi referred to Peppler as “ the best football man here” in regard to his tenure with the Packers. In 1972, Pat resigned from the Packers to become Director of Professional Scouting for the Miami Dolphins. He was part of the 2 consecutive Super Bowl championships, including the 1972 17-0 season. 1975 found Pat with the Atlanta Falcons as General Manager and Interim Head Coach. Pat continued his NFL career with the Houston Oilers. After appearing in 2 consecutive AFC championship games while in Houston, he followed coach and friend, Bum Phillips, to the New Orleans Saints in 1981. He retired from the NFL in 1985.
He had an enthusiastic love of life and positively influenced many people along the way. In Green Bay, he started a fitness and running program that he adhered to throughout his life. He was proud of his “routine” and would gladly share it. Many people, both young and old, were inspired by him. He loved watching sporting events and had a keen eye and incredible memory. He was a walking encyclopedia of anecdotes. In his later years, he wrote many published Letters to the Editor just trying to make the world a better place. Pat’s children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were his greatest pride and joy: each and everyone one had their own special nickname bestowed upon them. He was loved by his family, many friends, and left this world a better place with the joy he brought to us all.
He is survived by: his children; Pamela A. Nickoli (Nick), Susan K. Hamachek (Gary), Walter W. Peppler (Kristine), Terry L. Zeuske (Todd), John F. Peppler, James A. Peppler ( Laura Lee), 17 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.
The family will have a private memorial at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to www.Kane center.org or www.tchospice.org. Arrangements have been entrusted to Martin Funeral Home & Crematory, Stuart, Florida. A guest book may be signed at www.martin-funeral.com
This story was originally published June 28, 2015 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Albert "Pat" Patterson Peppler."