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Joseph Pehanick Obituary
Sept 25, 1929 - Nov 20, 2015
Resident of Orinda
Joe died at home on November 20 after extended health problems. Born in Scranton, PA a month before the stock market crash, he was the sixth of eight children of Mary Krake and Andrew Pehanick. Preceding him in death were his parents, sisters Helen Jurbala, Gertrude Kollar, brothers Andrew, Paul and George and grandchildren, Luke and Megan Buckley. He is survived by his wife Joelie of 60 years, six children and their spouses: George (Gretchen), Alice Oliver (Dennis), Noel Walters (Gerard), Joseph (Jodi), Jennifer Buckley (Robert) Jamie Pehanick (Leonard Gilbert) and brothers Albert (Beverly), Michael (Ann). Also survived by grandchildren Joseph and Maggie Pehanick, Nicholaus, Madeline and McKenzie Oliver, Alexandra, Claire, Caroline and Grace Walters, Elyse Behling, Jordan, Allison, Gabrielle, and Madison Pehanick, Patrick, Katherine and Audrey Buckley and August, Cordelia and Maeve Gilbert. Joe, with the blessing of a basketball scholarship, was a Seattle University team member from 1950-54, graduating in 1956. Despite a lack of high school sports experience, in his senior year he lead his team to twenty six straight wins, ranking it sixth in the nation. He is a member of the university's Athletic Hall of Fame and served a term on the board of governors. For nearly 40 years Joe was employed by and later owner of East Bay Tire Company of Oakland now Fairfield. He held office with The California State Tire Dealers Association and was a longtime member of St. Perpetua Catholic Church in Lafayette. Joe was a 'people person' and an extraordinary father, loving and enjoying each of his children and grandchildren immensely. In addition to his family, he was especially proud of his Slovak heritage and association with Seattle University. The family thanks his many compassionate care givers, especially Siosi Tuli and Madelyne Kariuki. A donation in memory of Joe to Seattle University Athletics, P.O. Box 222000, Seattle, WA 98122 would be most welcome. Friends are invited to a funeral mass Wednesday, November 25 at 10 a.m. celebrating Joe's life at St. Perpetua Church, 3454 Hamlin Rd, Lafayette, CA.
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2 Entries
Gail Lazarus
November 27, 2015
Dear Joelie and family,
I'm sorry I was unable to stay for the gathering after the service on Wednesday. It was a beautiful service for a beautiful man. I have fond memories of Joe and the pedicycle in a Danville parade-Jess and I were in kimonos in the back!
I have never forgotten your wonderful family- such warmth and genuine love for each other. Listening to your family members( especially your grandchildren) speak about Joe was heartwarming.
My thoughts are with you all at this time-Gail Lazarus (Michaels)
Barbara Lopez
November 24, 2015
Dear Mrs Pehanick, and all of the Pehanick Family,
I am sorry to hear about Mr. Pehanick. He was always friendly and always had a smile on his face whenever I saw or spoke to him. You are all (especially you, Jennifer) in my thoughts and prayers right now. May he rest in Peace. With love, Barbara Hockel Lopez
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