May 31, 2022

William Perry Pelkey, 79 of Centerville, formerly of Vestaburg passed away Friday, May 27, 2022, after a lengthy illness.

Mr. Pelkey was born September 4, 1942, in Vestaburg, a son of the late Clarence and Kathryn Perry Pelkey Sr.

Bill was a 1961 graduate of Beth Center High School.

He went on to receive an Associate’s Degree from the California University of Pennsylvania in 1989.

From 1963 to 1967, Bill served with the U.S. Air Force where he earned the rank of Sargent and was honorably discharged in March of 1969.

Mr. Pelkey’s thirst for education led him to become a Certified Investigator with Highest Honors in 2010. He then became certified in Commercial Law from Penn State University as well as a Certification as a Para-Legal.

After working in Labor Relations for the Steel Workers Union for 22 years, Mr. Pelkey said he began thinking that most of the people represented directly in a Union were less than one percent of the Union Body. He stated that he wanted to be on the other side of that and was able to replace a District Judge who was retiring soon.

He acquired the position and excelled as a District Judge for two Decades, Retiring in 2008.

Mr. Pelkey’s services to the South Eastern corner of Washington County were extensive.

Some of his outreach programs included visiting young High School Students

To explain the pitfalls of crime as well as holding Mock Trials in the local schools. He also presented ways for senior citizens to protect themselves from being scammed.

Mr. Pelkey received numerous awards for his participation in numerous local organizations and public events. Some of the awards were, The Cecil K. Leberknight Award in 2021 by the Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs in recognition of 10 or more years of dedicated service. He was also recognized by Marquis Who’s Who top Lawyers for Dedication, Achievements, and Leadership.

Mr. Pelkey is survived by siblings: Sheila Keys, Thomas Pelkey & Emory Pelkey; extended family Mike and Jenny Sosnak, Patrick and Louise Sosnak; long term care providers, Michael and Susan Toporcer; and sons, Michael and Matthew.

Friends will be received from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 1, 2022, in Greenlee’s Fredericktown Funeral Home, Ltd., 42 Bank Street at Crawford Road, Fredericktown. A Funeral Service will be held at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, in the funeral home, with Rev. Frank Menhart officiating. Burial will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests Memorial Donations be made to the American Cancer Society Pennsylvania Division Inc., Southwest Region, 201 Smith Drive Cranberry Twp., PA 15205-4620.

Online guestbook and personal condolences may be accessed at GreenleeFuneralHome.com.