John Pezek, 83, of Shippenville, passed away of natural causes on April 23, 2024, at his residence.
He was born in Van Voorhis, Pennsylvania, on December 27, 1940, to the late Arthur and Anna (Kochmar) Pezek.
After graduating from high school, John went into the Navy and was first stationed in Key West, Florida, where he met the love of his life, Barbara Watkins.
After spending time dreaming and planning their future at their “thinking bench” located at the corner of Southard and William streets in Key West, they were married and spent nearly 62 years together.
After serving in the Navy, he worked for Sears and Roebuck as a refrigeration and air conditioning technician for approximately five years.
He then moved the family back to Pennsylvania, working for Sears and Roebuck as a refrigeration, air conditioning, and heating technician, retiring after 35 years.
They then moved to Clarion, Pennsylvania, where John worked for Luton’s Plumbing and Heating for 10 years.
Most recently, he worked with Derek Fague for BJ’s Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning.
John is best known as a master storyteller and jokester.
He is leaving behind hysterical memories, especially for his grandkids, as he spent so much time with them.
John was truly one of a kind.
He had a few nicknames: “Mr. Fix-it” – as he loved to tear things apart and make them new again; “Mr. Yard,” as he especially loved his flowers, his garden, and keeping his yard looking picture perfect; and “Ironman” as he battled and triumphed over numerous physical ailments over the years.
He enjoyed staying busy, working not only on his own home, but on the homes of his family, which is just one way that he showed his love.
He enjoyed hunting, especially with his son, John.
He also shared a special bond with his daughter Jodi, who helped to care for him in recent years, as well as with his son-in-law Joe and grandson Jake, who were always available to lend a hand to John.
Affectionately also known as “Papa John” by his grand- and great-grandchildren, he will be greatly missed.
John is survived by his wife Barbara Pezek; children Jodi (Joe) Burns of Shippenville and John (Alieda) Pezek Jr. of Peoria, Arizona; twin sister Virginia Knotts of West Virginia; sister-in-law Dale Watkins of Key West; grandchildren Blaise (Amanda) Pezek, Karly (Brian) Long, Ellie (Evan) Proksell, Robert Pezek, Brianna Pezek, Liv Burns (Dana Logue), Jake Burns (Ali Troese) and Korrin Burns (Cutter Boggess); great-grandchildren Vivienne Long, Calvin Long, Caleb Long and Elora Proksell; special nephew Michael Pezek, who was like his own son; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
John was preceded in death by his parents; siblings Arthur (Rita) Pezek and Violet (John) Bosnyak; and brothers-in-law Harvey Watkins and Marvin Knotts.
Funeral Services will be private.
Arrangements are under the care of the Goble Funeral Home and Crematory in Clarion.
Friends and family may send online condolences, memorials, and obtain additional information by visiting www.goblefh.net.
