Joseph Calvin Hedgepath Jr.

Joseph Calvin Hedgepath, Jr. was born on November 27, 1958, to Joseph  Calvin Hedgepath, Sr. and the late Minnie Hedgepath. Joseph, affectionately known as “Pepe” grew up in the city of Newark and attended Cleveland Elementary School, West Kinney Junior High, and completed his education, graduating from Central High School. Pepe was introduced to the Lord at a young age and attended Metropolitan Baptist Church, under the leadership of his great-grandfather,  Reverend BF Johnson. In 1979, Joseph joined the United States National Guard and served his country for 6 years until his honorable  discharge. Pepe worked at Bamberger's Newark as an inventory  specialist, and at Woolworth as a security officer; however, he was a boss at heart and became an entrepreneur as a street vendor downtown Newark where he established faithful customers and lifelong friends. After years as a retailer, Pepe knew he could make a valuable difference in his community and reach more people by becoming a dedicated substance abuse counselor at Logan Hall, where he worked up until the day of his passing. Music was always in his soul. He loved to dance and was very stylish. Pepe would Show up and Show out with his bright smile. He was on the dance floor at every house music event with a suit, bowtie, and his walking stick.

On July 11, 2021, Joseph performed his last dance here on earth. Joseph was predeceased by his mother, Minnie Hedgepath and wife, Wanda Hedgepath. Joseph leaves to cherish his memory to his father, Joseph Calvin Hedgepath, Sr.; three daughters: Desiree Hedgepath,  Pia McKay Hedgepath, and Maria Hedgepath; one brother: Isaac   Harrison (Lisa); five sisters: Gina Young, Tracey Hedgepath-White (Mark), Kendyll Hedgepath, Yvelonda Carmon (La-Ron) and Ikeana Hedgepath; three aunts, one uncle and a host of nieces, nephews,  cousins, and close friends. Joseph loved life and lived it to the fullest.