Service Set for Essex Soldier Killed in Afghanistan

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday for Staff Sgt. Brandon Robert Pepper, an Army Special Forces soldier who was killed in action in Afghanistan on July 21.

The service will be held at 11 a.m. at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, 10003 Bird River Road.

Visitation will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at Bruzdzinski Funeral Home, 1407 Old Eastern Ave.

Pepper, a 1999 graduate of Kenwood High School, is survived by his wife, Lindsey; parents John F. and Geraldine M. Pepper; brothers Nicolas, John and Staff Sgt. Derek Pepper; and grandmother Marie Baker.

The soldiers cremains will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery in graveside services at 9 a.m. on Aug. 9.

Family members request that memorial donations be made to the Green Beret Foundation or the Special Operations Warrior Foundation.