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Mark Pelak Obituary
Born on June 13, 1948, in Wilkes-Barre, he was the son of the late Joseph Peleak and the late Anne Cooper Peleak. Mark grew up in the Back Mountain and graduated from Dallas Senior High School in 1966. He was a 1970 graduate of King's College , Wilkes-Barre, and earned a Juris Doctorate from Willamette University College of Law in Salem, Ore., in 1973. He began his legal career as a staff attorney for Legal Services of Northeastern Pennsylvania and in 1976 became an associate in the Wilkes-Barre firm of Winkler, Danoff and Lubin. Mark earned a civil service appointment as a Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Workers' Compensation judge in 1980.
Throughout his career, he also maintained a limited general practice. His greatest satisfaction as a lawyer and a judge was, as he simply put it, "helping people." Over the years, he helped countless clients and workers' compensation claimants and will be remembered for his compassion, common sense and unwavering commitment to doing the right thing.
Mark was an avid bicyclist and always looked forward to Saturday-morning rides and socializing with his bike mates out of Around Town Bicycles. There was always room for a newcomer on any ride Mark was on; he took real pleasure in helping new cyclists feel comfortable on the road and welcome in the group.
Mark was a loving husband and father who took his greatest joy from his family.
He is survived by his wife, Anne Straub Pelak, with whom he would have celebrated 40 years of marriage in August, and his daughters, Mary Elizabeth and Amy Justine, both of Philadelphia. He is also survived by his stepmother, Anne Gryziec Peleak, Kingston, and half-brother, Jeffrey Peleak, and his wife, Carolyn, Greensburg, Pa.; and by his sister- in-law, Peggy Ceraulo, Madison, N.J., and nephew, Tom Ceraulo, New York, N.Y.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday in St. Ignatius Church, Kingston. Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Kopicki Funeral Home, 263 Zerbey Ave., Kingston. In lieu of flowers, donors may make a donation in Mark's memory to the charity of their choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mark Pelak
Ronald Oley
July 3, 2020
Mark was one of the true friends I could always count on, no matter what I needed. I enjoyed our Harley riding together, especially the trip to the Harley-Davidson factory around 1992.
Judy Endo
July 4, 2019
Mark was a wonderful co-worker, and friend. He took time out of his busy schedule to attend a performance I had with my dog at the Pittston Fair. He came to my Mom's memorial service at the nursing home. His presence and thoughtfulness meant everything to me. I will always remember you with the utmost respect and fondness Mark. You were a genuinely good person, and I was privileged to have known you.
Tom Kutz
August 7, 2013
I was very sorry to learn of Mark's passing last month. Mark was an exclent judge, mentor, and human being. My sincere sympathies to his family
Ali Bagheri
July 19, 2013
Mark, you will be missed greatly. In the short time I've known Mark I can say he was truly a Great Person. I already miss our conversations at the office building where we both worked. God Speed Mark! My blessings to your family. I'll think of you every time i see a cyclist and drive around the lake. -Ali Bagheri
Dr william J ryan and Marguerite ryan
July 18, 2013
we are very sorry to hear of such a young man passing.
our prayers and thoughts are with his family. he was so
down to earth
Donna Kosko
July 14, 2013
Dear Anne and daughters, I was very sorry to hear of Mark's passing, although, I have never met Mark he was a cousin of ours, from a big family. I've heard a lot about him from our Great Aunt Nettie and their visits at Christmas time with Mark's Dad and Family. I wish I had met him and I just want to express my deep sympathies to you and your daughters.It is a great sorrow but he is in a better place now.
Donna Kosko Stankiewicz
Jeannine Ayres
July 13, 2013
Dear Anne, Mary and Amy,
Deepest sympathies to you on the sudden passing of your wonderful husband and father. Meeting Mark at your home
so many years ago, I was struck at the perfect pairing of 2 different, incredible personalities, who shared beautiful values of family, home, work ethic; effortless integrity, giving to others while quietly inspiring all around you; using keen intelligence to foster growth in others; living by kindness, good example, humility; living a biking passion, rather than dreaming about it. God be with each of you. Love from our whole family.
July 13, 2013
I briefly worked at the workers comp office many years ago and was impressed by how kind and great Mark was. So sorry for your loss.
Bob Updyke
July 12, 2013
Ann and Family
I am so sorry to here of Marks passing, I remember all the good time we had growing up on Davis St.
He was a good friend and a wonderful person who would always lend a hand when he could. I will always remember him fondly and it is a honer to call him my friend.
Jeff & Matthew Dymond
July 11, 2013
Anne and Family,
We would like to send our sincere condolences to all of you. We often completed the SMR's with Mark in Wilkes Barre.
He was always so kind and supportive. We were welcomed immediately into the group.
Pedal on, Mark!
Joanne Smith Snyder
July 11, 2013
Anne, my sincere condolences to you and your family. It's been so long since I've seen Mark, but I will always remember him as a wonderful, kind-hearted man. My prayers are with you all.
Brian Carter
July 11, 2013
I had the pleasure of appearing before Mark on several cases and always found him to be reasonable and fair. After each hearing we ususally spent a few minutes talking about cycling. He always said we should do RAGBRAI together. Unfortunately, that will now never happen.
Michael Moskow
July 11, 2013
Dear Anne, Amy, and Mary,
I want to express my great sadness over Mark's passing.
He was a wonderful neighbor, and equally, a great friend to our family.
I especially recall the many times that my Father and Mark would exchange opinions on all manner of topics, and discuss news and world events, with one another.
Mark was much the same with everyone in our family: Always eager with a warm “hello”; always sincere; always deeply caring.
May your family find comfort, peace, and inspiration in Mark's life and memory.
Richard J Lipuma
July 11, 2013
Judge Mark, it was an honor and a privilege to work with you over the years. God bless your family in their time of grief.
Michael McGettigan
July 11, 2013
It was always a pleasure to see Mark at our bike shop, more so on a ride, where his pleasure in being around other cyclists was contagious. It will be impossible to duplicate his easygoing hellos. But in his honor, we will try to be a bit more cheerful, and reach out a bit more every day to our fellow cyclists (and pedestrians!) We will miss Mark. So sorry for your loss of a good man. Sincerely, Mike and everyone at Trophy.
July 11, 2013
Mark went out of his way to connect and make everyone feel welcome. His generosity and kind nature will never be forgotten but it will be missed.
July 11, 2013
Anne, I am so sorry! I wish I had known him but he sounds like a great guy and I am sure with you, he was. "Joyful" that he could go doing whta he so loved.
All the best to you.
Paula Gavlick
July 10, 2013
I did a secretarial internship with Mark's law firm in Kingston during the first week of August, 1983. I also got to sit in on a workmen's comp hearing with him. Mark was an extremely nice, caring, and knowledgeable, person. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family at this difficult time.
Paul Skrip
July 10, 2013
My deepest sympathy goes out to Mark's family. Mark was not only my attorney but my friend as well. Over the years we have spent many hours in his office reminiscing the past and looking at the future. He loved biking so much that often he would tell me to quit chasing that little white ball around the course on the weekends and come out and do something really fun. A great guy will be missed by many.
Robert Hinkin
July 10, 2013
Judge Pelak was a role model to me. His kindness and empathy will always be remembered. My sincerest condolences to his entire family. Heaven has gained a very great man. RIP.
Rhonda
July 10, 2013
Anne,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Pam Motzer Barnes
July 10, 2013
My deepest sympathies to you and your family. So wonderful to see you recently. May God bless you all. Am thinking of you.....
Del Lucent
July 10, 2013
Dear Anne,
I'm so deeply sorry for your loss. You and your family have my most sincere sympathies. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Tom Thorne
July 10, 2013
Anne,
So sorry to hear the news of your husband's passing. From what I can see here, he was a very wonderful man.
Dave Kluchinski
July 10, 2013
Dear Pelak Family,
Our deepest sympathies go out to all of you. We will keep your family in our prayers.
Barbara Lastovica
July 10, 2013
Anne, I am so sorry to hear about the passing of you husband. Please give my condolences to you daughters also.
July 10, 2013
I was a good friend of Mark's in high school at Dallas. Your tears will be wiped away and there will be joy in the morning. Mark always wanted to fly and I believe his now flying on the wings of angels
Linda Winkler
July 10, 2013
Dear Ann and family,
My heart is so sad: my sympathies are with you. Mark had a generous soul who always made time to welcome and include others: an advocate for justice. He will be missed in more ways than imagined (on the bicycle and off)
Ron Oley
July 10, 2013
Ann and family, Mark was a true friend and fellow biker. I fondly recall our rides and working with Mark. He will be sadly missed.
Paul Lumia
July 10, 2013
Dear Ann and Family,
My thoughts and prayers go out to you during this very difficult time. Sincerely and with deepest sympathy,
John Harrison
July 10, 2013
Dear Anne,
I am shocked and saddened by Mark's sudden passing. Please accept my sincerest condolences and may God provide comfort to you and your family.
Joe & Barb Gesek
July 9, 2013
We are very saddened to here of Mark's passing. We had the honor of having him as a lawyer and friend. He was honest and caring person. He will be truly missed.
David Cooper
July 9, 2013
I am shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Mark. As a fellow pilot of small airplanes we talked about flying a lot. And as somebody who worked with him, Mark truly had a terrific personality and the right judicial temperament. He will be missed by all that knew him.
Jennie Fauls
July 9, 2013
My most sincere condolences to my dearest friends Amy and Mary and to their mother, Anne. I am deeply sorry for your loss and grateful that you have each other for support. What a wonderful, wonderful father you have. He loves you so much and will be fondly remembered, always.
Christina Johnston
July 9, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this extremely difficult time.
Leona Rowker
July 9, 2013
Anne,
My deepest sympathies go out to you and your family. It was a pleasure to work with him for so many years. Words cannot express my sorrow. I'll keep you and your family in my prayers.
Former workman's comp employee,
Leona Rowker
July 9, 2013
I am very saddened by this sudden and untimely death. Mark was a great guy, a great helpful lawyer, and a great neighbor. He will be greatly missed. My heart goes out to Anne and his daughters. Wagiha Taylor
Darrell Karalunas
July 9, 2013
I was privileged to meet Mark on only one occasion and I will never forget how cool he was. RIP sir.
Donald Lawson
July 9, 2013
My sincerest sympathy, Anne. He is in many of my memories of growing up in the Back Mountain. A great friend that I regret not staying in touch with. May God take care of him now.
Jeremy Klapac
July 9, 2013
Mark was the first person I got to meet when I started joining in on the SMR's. He was such a great guy and will be missed. I'm so sorry for your loss; your family is in my thoughts.
Mary Stabinsky
July 9, 2013
Anne
The enthusiasm Mark displayed will be greatly missed by all. So sorry for your loss. He will always be remembered for his kind helpful nature.
James
July 9, 2013
I had the honor and privilege of appearing in front of Mark in Workers Compensation cases. He was always caring, fair and treated everyone with respect. I happened to be running at Harvey's Lake on Sunday morning wearing my Around Town Bike jersey and when he past me he called out, "you should be on your bike"... he had the biggest smile on his face as he waved and finished by yelling "have a good morning" as he rode past surrounded by friends. That is the person I will remember forever.
Annie, my deepest condolences to you and your family.
Sharon McGrail-Szabo
July 9, 2013
I was very saddened to hear of Mark's sudden passing. He was always a fair judge, was always so compassionate when dealing with people, and so loved life. I enjoyed hearing the stories he told about his biking escapades. It is hard to believe that he is gone. At least he was doing something he loved, and he is in a wonderful place now, I have no doubt. God bless him and his family.
Kenneth O'Hearn
July 9, 2013
May the soul of Mark rest in peace, and may perpetual light shine upon him always and forever...amen. Remember, it's not goodbye forever, but rather just so long for now. Until we meet again, what an honor and privilege it was to know you and to serve you. My prayers will always be with you and yours.
Michele Howell
July 9, 2013
Annie, Sorry for your loss... My sympathies go out to you and your family at this terribly sad and heartbreaking time...
Scott Seeherman
July 9, 2013
Ann,
My heart goes out to you and your family, Mark's smile personality and gentleness will be greatly missed.
Michael W. Simon III
July 9, 2013
Mark was a good person, and a good friend. He will be missed by many people, and on many levels. He will certainly be missed by me. Michael W. Simon III and Family
Irene Wendoloski
July 9, 2013
Dear Anne, Mary and Amy.Words can't describe the sorrow Bobby and I feel, We can't even begin to imagine what you are feeling. Mark was a special, wonderful friend. Every memory of him includes smiles and laughter. He had such a wonderful wit and smile. All our lives are fuller and more enriched because of Mark's and your friendship
Elaine Cook
July 9, 2013
To all of Mark's family: my sincerest sympathy. He will be very missed as a most wonderful, kind, and knowledgeable judge.
Kathy Poplaski
July 9, 2013
Anne and Family,
I would like to extend my deepest sympathy on the loss of your precious husband/father. A very tragic loss of a vibrant man and so young...
Sincerely,
Kathy Poplaski
July 9, 2013
Anne,
So sorry to hear of your loss. You and your family will be in our prayers
Joseph Booth
July 9, 2013
I was saddened to hear of the untimely passing of a good man like Mark Pelak. He was a true gentleman and a fine lawyer and judge. He set an example for all of us. He will be missed. my sympathy to his wife and daughters.
Wayne Rapkin
July 9, 2013
Mark started as a Judge right before me, and we have spoken so many times: about family, work, and our common love of motorcycles. He was a fair and compassionate Jurist, and one of the most level-headed and affable people I have ever known. He will be greatly missed. Please accept our most sincere and heartfelt sympathies. Wayne R. Rapkin and Family.
July 9, 2013
Dear Anne, Mary and Amy - my heart is broken with and for you. I loved Mark since our days at Marywood so long ago. I remember hanging around in your first apartment listening to Cat Stevens and having a blast. He was one of the kindest souls I know and I loved listening to his stories about ham radios, bikes and glowing about his daughters. My mother still has many fond memories of your Christmas-time visits with her - even the one where your car broke down!!! He loved you all so much and I know this was returned. My mother, family and I send love and condolences and are with you each step of this new and difficult journey. How blessed we are that Mark was in our lives!
Gail Barna
July 9, 2013
Dear Anne & Family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You are in my thoughts.
Sincerely,
Judy Endo
July 9, 2013
Anne and family, you are in my thoughts and prayers. In the years I work at the Comp office I very much enjoyed sitting outside of Mark's office to be on the receiving end of his wisdom and quick wit. Always kind, compassionate and respectful, it was a pleasure and a privilege to know Mark and to work with him. God bless you, my friend.
Warren DeWitt
July 9, 2013
A great friend all through high school. May God's peace comfort his family.
Tony Salvino
July 9, 2013
I practiced before Judge Pelak. He was always a thoughtful jurist. After the hearing, he loved to talk about his passion of bicycling. God Bless Judge Pelak and his family.
Matthew Repko
July 9, 2013
Forever in our prayers .
Pete Perry WCJ Retired
July 9, 2013
I was very much saddened to learn of the death of Mark. I looked forward to the yearly Judge Conferences and the Seminars, in particular, the opportunity to sit and talk with Mark. We discussed not only the law, but his passion for biking, his adventures on his motorcycle and our families. Just a great guy and trusted colleague and friend. My sympathies to his wife and children.
Wendy Yascur
July 9, 2013
Anne, Mary and Amy-
I am so sorry to hear of Mark's passing. It was such a pleasure to know Mark and work with him over the years. I learned a lot from him. He was a very talented man. All of you are in my thoughts and prayers. Best to you always. Thinking of you.
john phillips
July 9, 2013
As a fellow classmate in high school my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Kyle Kinsman
July 9, 2013
As we all are I'm profoundly saddened by Mark's departure. Mark truly was always there to welcome newcomers to the fun of cycling - he made sure everyone felt included. He was an effusively positive person, congenial and upbeat. My thoughts and prayers are with you Anne, and with your family. God Bless.
Joseph & Deborah Sellitto
July 9, 2013
Anne and Family: Please accept our deepest sympathy.
Mark was a real gentleman. May he rest in peace.
July 9, 2013
Anne, I am so sorry to hear about Mark, although I never met him your biking photos on Facebook showed how much you loved being together. Know that I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Next time you come to Philadelphia please get in touch with me.
Patty Campbell Comey
Marywood Class of 1973
Tom Beline & Family
July 9, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Rhoda Tillman
July 9, 2013
Ann,
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family ~
Geoffrey Seacrist
July 9, 2013
Please accept my condolences. Mark was a fine WCJ and a true gentleman. He will be missed.
July 9, 2013
I am saddened by the passing of Mark. He was a good person, a fine lawyer and a gentleman. Always a pleasure to be around. And he was always there to help. Mark set an example for all of us. He will be missed. My sympathy to his wife and family.
Michael Downend
July 9, 2013
It's with great sorrow I learned today of Mark's death. A good, kind and amazing man and friend lost to the ages.
Michael
Nita Hoffman
July 9, 2013
Please accept my sincerest condolences. While I had limited professional interaction with Mark, it was always a pleasant and cordial experience. He will be greatly missed. Nita at Workers' Compensation, Hazleton
Michael Brady
July 9, 2013
A thoughtful and courteous judge. Admired by all attorneys. He was never too busy to ask how an attorney or his her family was doing. His thoughtfulness on the Bench and his kindness to all who appeared before him will be deeply missed.
Seth Gollhardt
July 9, 2013
You will be missed, and remembered, on my rides. Godspeed.
Susan DiBonifazio
July 8, 2013
I am so sorry Anne; you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
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