John Pekelnicky, age 88, of Wesley Chapel, Formally of Girard, Pa. Born in Lakewood, Ohio, died Monday, January 18th at Zephyrhills Gulfside Hospice after a long battle with bone cancer. John is survived by his wife of 65 years Bertha (Knickerbocker), three children; David Pekelnicky of Erie, Pa, Michelle Leopold (Jeff) of Wesley Chapel, FL and Daniel Pekelnicky (Jessica) of Lakeland, Fl. He also leaves behind five grandchildren, Mandy, Jen, Mark, Shelly and Heather all of Florida and seven great grandchildren. He is survived by one sister Julie Gorniak of Northeast, Pa. He is preceded in death by two brothers, Stanley and Joseph Pekelnicky and a sister Virginia Reed. John served as a China Marine, from 1946-1948. He was an accomplished tool and die maker where he worked on many things one of which was a mold for the 2 ltr. bottle. He enjoyed family trips where he and his family got to see much of the United States. He retired to Florida where he was a very active 4th degree Knight for the Knights of Columbus, receiving many awards for his service. He enjoyed spending time with his wife and family and enjoyed working in his yard. He would do anything for anyone as he was just that type of guy. He loved to make bird houses and windmills out of scrap ceiling fans. He was also very proud of his banana and orange trees. A viewing will be held Thursday January 21st from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a Rosary reading at 6:00 at Hodges Funeral Home, HWY 301 Dade City, FL. A service will be held Friday January 22nd at 9:00 a.m. at Hodges Funeral Home, HWY 301 Dade City, FL. The service will be followed by an internment at The Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL Visitation

Hodges Family Funeral Home & Cremation Center

Thursday, January 21, 2016 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM 11441 US HIGHWAY 301 Dade City, Florida 33525 Directions Memorial Service

Hodges Family Funeral Home & Cremation Center

Friday, January 22, 2016 9:00 AM 11441 US HIGHWAY 301 Dade City, Florida 33525 Directions