George Jerome Pecharka Sr.
George Jerome Pecharka Sr., 81, of Canonsburg, passed away Wednesday, April 10, 2013.
He was born September 22, 1931, in Muse, a son of the late John Joseph and Julia G. Stelmach Pecharka.
Mr. Pecharka was a lifelong, devout believer in the saving grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and joins him now in paradise. He was a member of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Church in Meadow Lands and the Holy Name Society, from where he received a lifetime award. He was very proud of his Slovak heritage and remained fluent in the Slovak language.
Mr. Pecharka was a retired machinist, the founder and sole owner of the George Pecharka Co. and was co-owner of Houston Tool and Die. He was a “machinist’s machinist” whose clients sought him for the superior skill and creativity he used to precisely craft parts and tools for area industries. Many of these pieces were unique prototypes, which he invented. He trained his sons at his Canonsburg machine shop, guiding each to provide the highest levels of care and quality in their chosen professions. Prior to the establishment of his machine shop, he had served as an efficiency expert at the former Pennsylvania Transformer, and as apprentice, journeyman and master machinist at Canon Tool and Kmet Machining.
He began his career as a graduate of the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics, from which he apprenticed at the Washington National Airport.
Mr. Pecharka had been an avid deer hunter and antique trader who enjoyed crossword puzzles and flea marketing.
On July 30, 1951 he married his beloved wife, Ruth Joan Nestor, who passed away October 8, 2009.
Surviving are seven sons, George J. (Janet) Pecharka Jr. of Meadow Lands, Robert Pecharka of Canonsburg, John Pecharka of Houston, David (Kathy) Pecharka of Robinson Township, Richard Pecharka of Canonsburg, Christopher Pecharka (Tracy Ranelle) of Dana Point, Calif., and Joseph (Carolyn) Pecharka of San Juan Capistrano, Calif.; 12 grandchildren; a great-granddaughter; and several nieces and nephews.
He was affectionately known to his family as “Bear.” He was the last of his immediate family.
Deceased, in addition to his wife and parents, are three brothers, John, Edward and Paul Pecharka, and three sisters, Ann Sobolewski, Rose Potocnak and Margaret Pecharka who died in Infancy.
Friends and family are welcome from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday in Salandra Funeral Service Inc., Joseph P. Salandra, owner/supervisor, 304 West Pike Street, Canonsburg, 724-745-8120, where departing prayers will be recited at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, April 18, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Church, Meadow Lands, with the Rev. Carmen D’Amico as celebrant. Interment will follow in St. Patrick Cemetery, Canonsburg. The Holy Name Society of Miraculous Medal will recite the Rosary at 7 p.m. Wednesday in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Church. To view or extend condolences, please visit www.salandrafunerals.com.