George J. Pecharka Sr.

George Jerome Pecharka Sr. age 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 our 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 whom 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 Company 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, Mr. Pecharka 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 Meadowlands, Robert Pecharka of Canonsburg, John Pecharka of Houston, David (Kathy) Pecharka of Robinson Twp., Richard Pecharka of Canonsburg, Christopher Pecharka (Tracy Ranelle) of Dana Point, California and Joseph (Carolyn) Pecharka of San Juan Capistrano, California, twelve grandchildren one great granddaughter and several nieces and nephews. Mr. Pecharka 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 2-4 and 6-8pm Wednesday April 17, 2013 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 9:30am followed at 10am by a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated in Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Church, with Reverend Carmen D'Amico, pastor as celebrant. Interment will follow in St. Patrick Cemetery, Canonsburg. The Holy Name Society of Miraculous Medal will recite the Rosary at 7pm Wednesday in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Church.