Obituaries/Viewings
Robert J. Pesce, Sr. | 85
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Robert J. Pesce, Sr., 85, formerly of 237 Madison Street, St. Marys, passed away peacefully Friday, December 8, 2023, at Elk Haven Nursing Home.
He was born March 13, 1938, in St. Marys, son of the late Louis and Angeline Pirazzi Pesce.
On May 2, 1959 in Queen of the World Church, he married Janet L. Leithner, who survives. They were blessed to share 64 years of marriage together.
Bob was a lifelong resident of the area and was a graduate of St. Marys High School, Class of 1957. He was employed at Keystone, where he retired.
In addition to his loving wife, he is survived by one daughter: Barbara Herbstritt (John “Eppie”) of St. Marys; three sons: Robert Pesce, Jr. (Carolyn) of Newberry, SC, Michael Pesce (Pauline) of Doylestown, PA, and Martin Pesce (Wendy) of Quakertown, PA; eleven grandchildren: Meghan Allen, Benjamin Allen, Olivia Fields, Dallin Pesce, David Herbstritt (his special pal), Jolene Herbstritt, Andrea Paul, Meredith Pesce, Dominic Pesce, Corinne Pesce, and Alayna Pesce; six great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters: Carol “Honey” Anders and Monica “Cookie” Pesce; and two brothers: Louis “Teet” Pesce and John Richard “Pee Wee” Pesce. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family.
Bob was many things to so many people. He was very active in the community volunteering for the Red Cross as a lifeguard and also taught swimming and was a certified Water Safety Instructor. He was a former member of the Servicemen’s Burial Detail and worked with the Bavarian Festival organizers.
Bob loved sports, from the time he was in high school as a member of the undefeated 1957 St. Marys High School football team, he was not just an active participant. He played city league softball, was a swimming and diving coach at St. Marys Area High school, was a participant in a triathlon and eventually found his passion in cycling. He could often be found at a weekend bike race or just riding around the county well into his 70’s.
He had many varied and unique hobbies throughout his life. He was a lifelong learner and avid reader. When his children were younger, they spent many hours beside him watching nature documentaries and anything about World War II or the Civil War. He visited several battlefields with his children throughout his life and his interest in modern warfare manifested itself in his hobby of model making of World War II armor and combat aircraft. He became very interested in photography and would take team pictures for the local youth baseball and softball teams.
As he grew older his focus moved to his children and later his grandchildren. His wife Janet, often said that she had five children, not four. He was active in his children’s lives from skateboarding with the neighborhood kids and painting their faces for Halloween, to attending their sporting events regardless of where they were. His eleven grandchildren knew him simply as “Pop.” Although he was close with all of his grandchildren, he did have his favorite, his grandson David. When he talked about David and his accomplishments, it was very obvious that he was the apple of his eye.
Bob was well known throughout St. Marys. He could be seen in town walking to or from Keystone every day, or at the community pool diving or playing with any child who wanted his attention. He always had a story to tell, or more likely a joke. His passion for life and everything in it was demonstrated by his constant smile and a ready hug. He loved his family which didn’t just include those related to him. He didn’t have many friends in the traditional sense, because he viewed everyone he knew as more than a friend, but as a member of his extended family. Many of the people that knew him considered him as a second brother, cousin, uncle, or even dad.
Family and friends are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial in the Queen of the World Church on Friday, December 15, 2023 at 11:00 AM with the Rev. Jeffery Noble, Pastor, officiating. Full military rites will be accorded by the St. Marys Servicemen’s Burial Detail. Burial will follow in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.
There will be no visitation.
Memorial donations, if desired may be made to a favorite charity of one’s choosing.
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I first met Bob when I was taking water safety lessons. You are right, he never knew a stranger and always had a smile and kind word when seeing him.
Thank you for sharing Bob with all of us!
Sending prayers at this time.
So sorry for your loss.
I didn’t know Mr. Pesce personally, but I can remember watching him dive off the high dive at the pool when I was young. I was so fascinated with each twist and turn! My thoughts and prayers to his family.
Bob was always such a good friend to me and to anyone he met. I loved his smile and his laugh and how incredibly kind he was. I loved coaching with him and am sad I will be out of town for his service. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.