Joseph Henry Pektas

Joseph Henry Pektas of Winter Park, FL, and Young Harris, GA, passed away peacefully at home on August 24, 2024, in Winter Park at the age of 93, surrounded by his family.

Joseph was born in Pittsburgh on March 23, 1931, the son of the late Joseph Stephen Pektas and Evelyn Hoyson Szymczak. He was preceded in death by his siblings Richard, William (Peggy), and Elizabeth "Betty" Elder (Wayne); his nephew Rich Jr.; and his great-grandson Preston Cunningham.

Joseph grew up in Pittsburgh, where his early years were marked by a strong sense of duty to his country, which he loved dearly. This led him to enlist in the military at the age of 17. He served in the U.S. Army from 1948 to 1952 as a Staff Sergeant and Radio Section Chief, commanding 32 men in the RHQ 18th Infantry Regiment, 1st U.S. Infantry Division in Germany.

After his military service, Joseph enjoyed a successful career at United Parcel Service as a controller in Pittsburgh, New York, and Orlando. He retired early at the age of 53 and cherished his time investing, flying, and being surrounded by the mountains in Young Harris, GA.

Joseph married the love of his life, Berthetta "Beth" Lee Palenchar, with whom he raised a loving family. In addition to his beloved wife, Beth, Joseph is survived by his children Leslie Schulte, Peter, Karen Cunningham (Dan), Philip (Tonja), and David; his grandchildren and great-grandchildren; as well as his nieces, nephew, and cousins.

A private service will be held to celebrate Joseph’s life and legacy. In lieu of flowers, Joseph requested to be honored with perpetual mass requests on the anniversary of his passing at Saints Peter & Paul Church in Winter Park or with The Salesian Mission Order of New Rochelle, New York.

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