Joseph R. Pesek Jr.

Joseph “Joe” Robert Pesek, 79, Mercer, passed away on December 12, 2024 after a period of declining health. He was born in Grove City on May 2, 1945 to Margaret (Bocsi) Pesek and Joseph Pesek, Sr.

Joe was a 1963 graduate of Grove City High School and then majored in accounting and business at New Castle Business College. He continued his education at Youngstown State University before graduating from the Air Traffic Control Academy in Oklahoma City in 1973. He was an air traffic controller at Erie and Pittsburgh until 1981. Following this, he was an Enforcement Officer at the Mercer County Courthouse, Domestic Relations Department for 21 years. Joe was also a server for many years at the former Milan's Restaurant, Mercer, through multiple ownership changes until it closed as the Springfield Grille in 2015.

Joe was known for helping others whenever he could. He loved his children and liked visiting other family and friends. In the summer, he could be found enjoying his favorite pastime: riding his mower.

Joe is predeceased by his parents and a sister, Anna Marie Ryser. He is survived by a daughter, Sarah Pesek, Albany, NY and three sons: Adam (Tina) Pesek, Mercer; Michael Pesek, Mercer; and John Pesek, Beaver; two sisters: Josephine Gustovic, Brookfield; and Catherine Pesek, Hermitage.; and a brother, Martin Pesek, Brookfield. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Rose Simplicity Cremation and Funeral Center, Inc., 200 S Erie St, Mercer, PA, 16137. Friends and family will be welcomed at the funeral home on Saturday, January 11, 2025, from 11am-12pm, with a memorial service to follow at 12pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Grove City Community Food Pantry.