Jack Paul Pishnak
October 16, 1946 – January 31, 2026
It is with great love and profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Jack Paul Pishnak, who died peacefully surrounded by loved ones on January 31, 2026, in Carson City, Nevada. He was 79 years old and left behind a legacy of service, love, and laughter.
Born on October 16, 1946, in Gary, Indiana, to Irene (Romanov) Pishnak and Andrew Pishnak, Jack attended Edison High School before moving to Las Vegas in 1965, where he began building both his family and a lifelong career in public service.
Jack proudly served as a Clark County firefighter and engineer for 28 years, working at Stations 14, 12, 18, and 85. Over his decades of service, he displayed bravery alongside his fellow firefighters during historic fires at the MGM and Hilton hotels. He was known not only for his dedication and courage, but also for his sense of humor and generosity, especially in the kitchen. Jack became legendary in the department for his cooking and was often called upon to prepare meals for his fellow firefighters.
In 2001, Jack married Marie (Elwell) Pishnak, and they shared 26 wonderful years. They eventually retired to Carson City, where Jack continued to embrace life to the fullest.
Jack had a passion for travel, golf, cooking, and home improvement, truly the king of DIY. He loved the ocean and took many trips along different coastlines, always searching for the perfect sunset, great wine, hidden local diners, and seaside fish markets offering the freshest catch.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Laura (Paganelli) Pishnak-Sylvia; his brother, Robert Pishnak; his son, Robert Elwell; and his grandsons, Cory Messner and Travis Elwell.
Jack is survived by his wife, Marie Pishnak; his children, Paul Pishnak (Paige), Carrie-ann Pishnak, Richard Elwell (Genevieve), and Lisa Elwell (Rob); and his brother, Michael Pishnak. His memory lives on through his grandchildren, Paul-Bryce Pishnak (Kate), Joshua Pishnak (Kayla), Olivia Messner, Sierra Pishnak, Tristian Pishnak, Tyler Elwell (Kysten), and Kellianna Elwell (Conner); and his great-grandchildren, Eli, Margot, Gabe, Anastasia, and Amelia. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.
In accordance with Jack’s wishes, there will be no public services. His ashes will be spread privately by his family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Clark County Firefighter Station 85, B-Platoon Chow Fund, in honor of Jack, to provide meals for firefighters on his behalf.
Jack will be remembered for his charisma, his prankster’s sense of humor, his skilled hands, his delicious cooking, and his unwavering devotion to his family and community. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
October 16, 1946 – January 31, 2026
It is with great love and profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Jack Paul Pishnak, who died peacefully surrounded by loved ones on January 31, 2026, in Carson City, Nevada. He was 79 years old and left behind a legacy of service, love, and laughter.
Born on October 16, 1946, in Gary, Indiana, to Irene (Romanov) Pishnak and Andrew Pishnak, Jack attended Edison High School before moving to Las Vegas in 1965, where he began building both his family and a lifelong career in public service.
Jack proudly served as a Clark County firefighter and engineer for 28 years, working at Stations 14, 12, 18, and 85. Over his decades of service, he displayed bravery alongside his fellow firefighters during historic fires at the MGM and Hilton hotels. He was known not only for his dedication and courage, but also for his sense of humor and generosity, especially in the kitchen. Jack became legendary in the department for his cooking and was often called upon to prepare meals for his fellow firefighters.
In 2001, Jack married Marie (Elwell) Pishnak, and they shared 26 wonderful years. They eventually retired to Carson City, where Jack continued to embrace life to the fullest.
Jack had a passion for travel, golf, cooking, and home improvement, truly the king of DIY. He loved the ocean and took many trips along different coastlines, always searching for the perfect sunset, great wine, hidden local diners, and seaside fish markets offering the freshest catch.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Laura (Paganelli) Pishnak-Sylvia; his brother, Robert Pishnak; his son, Robert Elwell; and his grandsons, Cory Messner and Travis Elwell.
Jack is survived by his wife, Marie Pishnak; his children, Paul Pishnak (Paige), Carrie-ann Pishnak, Richard Elwell (Genevieve), and Lisa Elwell (Rob); and his brother, Michael Pishnak. His memory lives on through his grandchildren, Paul-Bryce Pishnak (Kate), Joshua Pishnak (Kayla), Olivia Messner, Sierra Pishnak, Tristian Pishnak, Tyler Elwell (Kysten), and Kellianna Elwell (Conner); and his great-grandchildren, Eli, Margot, Gabe, Anastasia, and Amelia. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.
In accordance with Jack’s wishes, there will be no public services. His ashes will be spread privately by his family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Clark County Firefighter Station 85, B-Platoon Chow Fund, in honor of Jack, to provide meals for firefighters on his behalf.
Jack will be remembered for his charisma, his prankster’s sense of humor, his skilled hands, his delicious cooking, and his unwavering devotion to his family and community. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
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