Robert J. Pekera

MOUNT CARMEL — Robert J. Pekera, 71, of 37 S. Spruce St., was called home by the Lord Saturday, March 16, 2013, after a long battle with cancer.

He was surrounded by his family when he passed away.

Bob was a loving husband, devoted father and "Poppy."

He was born in Diamondtown, Oct. 2, 1941, a son of the late Peter and Mildred (Brown) Pekera.

Bob was employed as a heavy-duty equipment operator and truck driver until his retirement in 1988.

He married Anna Gross in 1963 and they would have been happily married for 50 years on Oct. 26. Bob deeply loved his wife and was never far away from her. They were always by each other's side.

He was an active member of the Church of Our Lady, Mount Carmel.

Bob was a lifetime member of Marion Heights Fire Company and served as chairman for this past year's cancer Relay for Life in Mount Carmel.

He was an avid camper and enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, who were his pride and joy.

He was a loyal Mount Carmel Area football fan and looked forward to his trips to Ocean City, Md., and bus trips to the casinos.

Bob always had a smile on his face and a story for everyone he met. He was always surrounded by his many friends and his home was always open to anyone who needed help.

He leaves behind a broken-hearted family and will be greatly missed.

Bob is survived his loving wife, Anna; a son, Pete Pekera, of Mount Carmel; two daughters, Deborah Palmer and her husband, Thomas, of Northumberland, and Lisa Horvath and her husband, Jeffrey, of Kulpmont; four grandchildren, Shelby Palmer, Jaryd Palmer, Megan Horvath and Hunter Horvath; a sister, Joanne Pekera, of Mount Carmel; a sister-in-law, Catherine Haupt, of Atlas, and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Kenneth Pekera; a sister, Catherine Zanella, and his dog, Buster.

PEKERA — Robert J. Pekera, 71, of 37 S. Spruce St., Mount Carmel. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Church of Our Lady, Mount Carmel, with the Rev. Francis Karwacki as celebrant. Burial will be in Mount Carmel Cemetery, Mount Carmel Township. Viewing will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday and 8:30 to 10:15 a.m. Wednesday at the C.J. Lucas Funeral Home Inc., 27 N. Vine St., Mount Carmel, C.J. Lucas IV, supervisor. A vigil service will be held at 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. To sign the guest book, go to cjlucasfuneralhome.com.