Pebble Renee Persico

It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our dear, beloved, Pebble Renee Groupe Persico, 55, who left us on January 9, 2025. Taken too soon, all who knew and loved Pebble mourn this loss. Pebble will be remembered by so many for her consistent and generous willingness to lend an ear to friends and family during their time of need. Why the name “Pebble”? Fifty-some years ago, Ted and Judy Groupe discovered that they were bringing a child into the world. Stationed at the time in Bindlach, Germany, Ted knew that the Army barracks, Christensen Barracks, was well known by the nickname “The Rock”. That settled it. They were sure their unborn child was a boy, and they would name him ROCK. Then on May 17, 1969, the time had come, and this child wasn’t going to wait for a hospital to be born. And so it happened, there on the Autobahn in a bumpy Crackerbox Army ambulance. Their baby came but to their surprise, it turned out that ‘he’ was a ‘she’. Well then, what is a small Rock, Ted and Judy asked? A Pebble! And there, wrapped in a sweater that Ted brought along to cushion Judy in the ambulance as he helped bring her into this world, they welcomed their beautiful girl, swaddled tightly and cooing - Pebble Renee Groupe. Pebble spent her early youth in Biglerville, Pennsylvania until the Groupe family relocated to Kissimmee, Florida. There during her adolescent and teen years, she attended Denn John Middle School and Osceola High School where she was active in the color guard and cheerleading. She had an amazing circle of friends that continued to grow as she transitioned into a career in the hospitality industry. Pebble was a ‘people-person’ and found her niche working in hotel management, including the Peabody Orlando, the Caribe Royale, Holiday Inn and Extended Stay, where her ‘hotel family’ circle continued to grow throughout her life. Pebble’s passion for her family and friends was surpassed only by her love for the University of Florida Gators, and her affection for animals, including many dogs, rabbits and cats. Dagger (Daggie-Doo) was her most recent canine companion until his passing last year. It goes without saying that Pebble will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. She leaves behind her son: Nicholas Persico, wife Ansley; a granddaughter: Clementine; mother: Judy Groupe; siblings: Wendy Ehrler (Robert), and Cathy Groupe Miller (Eddie), and sister-in-law: Erin Groupe-Borah (Duane). She was preceded in death by her father, Ted M. Groupe, and brother, Rock. B. Groupe. A celebration of life will be held on January 25, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the Sheraton Lake Buena Vista, Orlando, Florida, where friends and family can gather and share their wonderful memories of Pebble. Following cremation, the family is planning a private service at Saint John’s United Church of Christ Cemetery in New Chester, Pennsylvania, where she will rest eternally beside her father Ted, and other Groupe family.

Pebble Renee Persico

May 17, 1969 - January 9, 2025