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Jerome Peschka Obituary
Jerome Aloysius Peschka, Jr., passed away on January 29, 2017 in Las Cruces, New Mexico. He was born on August 13, 1943 in Roswell, New Mexico to Jerome and Lucille (Hanagan) Peschka.
He was a graduate of New Mexico Military Institute (Junior College, 63') and Oregon State University (Bachelor of Science, 65'). Upon completion of his undergraduate studies, he was commissioned in the United States Navy.
He held a Master of Management (personnel) from the Naval Post Graduate School in Monterey, California and a Master of National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island, where he won the J. Wm. Middendorf II Award for Advanced Research.
In his 29-year naval career he served aboard USS MCCAFFERY (DD 860), USS RICH (DD 820), USS PAUL REVERE (LPA 248), and USS SHASTA (AE 33). He commanded the USS CIMMARON (AO 177) and was the Officer in Charge of a Coastal Patrol Boat (PCF 15).
He also commanded Military Sealift Command, Pusan, Korea; Military Sealift Command Mediterranean, Naples, Italy; Military Sealift Command Pacific, Oakland, California; and Maritime Prepositioning Squadron Three. He was Officer in Charge of Coastal Division 12 Detachment, Chu Lai, Republic of Vietnam.
Additional assignments included serving in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations (OP 43), Washington, D.C., and as the Operations Officer for Military Sealift Command Headquarters, Washington, D.C.
Following retirement from the Navy, he obtained a U.S. Coast Guard Master, Oceans Unlimited License and sailed in the merchant marine for the next 20 years.
His time in the merchant marine included serving in HIDDENSEE (ex-East German/Soviet Missile Corvette), USNS 2nd LT JOHN P. BOBO, and as Master of T/S TEXAS CLIPPER II, USNS KANE (T-AGS-27), USNS BOWDITCH (T-AGS-62), USNS MARY SEARS (T-AGS-65), and USNS GILLILAND (T-AKR-298).
He was an active member and supporter of the Alamogordo Cancer Resource Center.
Survivors include his daughter, Mary Porter Peschka of Washington, D.C.; son, Patrick F. (Billie) Peschka of Paradise, TX; two grandsons, Connor Peschka, Collin Peschka; three brothers, Michael P. (Ellie) Peschka of La Mesa, NM, William F. (Ann) Peschka of Rio Rico, AZ, David A. (Lorual) Peschka of Roswell, NM; four sisters, Corrine Peschka of El Paso, TX, Christine (William) Milyard of Las Cruces, NM, Mary Patricia Peschka of Las Cruces, NM, Lucille M. (Chalmer) Holloway of Roswell, NM.
He was preceded in death by his father, Jerome A. Peschka; mother, Lucille M. Peschka; sister, Cecilia Peschka; and sister, Ann Peschka.
The family will greet friends from 6:00PM to 7:00PM on Friday, February 3, 2017 at Hamilton-O'Dell Funeral Home in Alamogordo, New Mexico.
The Vigil with Rosary will be recited at 7:00PM, Friday, February 3, 2017 at Hamilton-O'Dell Funeral Home in Alamogordo, New Mexico.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00AM, Saturday, February 4, 2017 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Cloudcroft, New Mexico.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made in Jerry's name to Alamogordo Cancer Resource Center, 1212 E 9th Street, Suite E, Alamogordo, NM 88310. Telephone: 575-443-7485.
The Peschka family has entrusted their loved one to the care of Hamilton-O'Dell Funeral Home to direct the funeral services. To sign the online register book, please visit www.hamiltonodell.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jerome Peschka
Sponsored by anonymous.
Frederick Smallwood
August 7, 2025
Rest in Peace, Jerry. Many memories of Swift Boat times in 1968 and surprisingly as both Captains of civilian-manned Survey Ships in a later life. It was fun comparing notes on experiences in these ships. We were both in the Far East.
Robert Warner
January 26, 2023
I was recently at a National Symposium and saw many old friends and shipmates. But it also made me remember those shipmates and friends who are no longer with us. Rest in peace, my friend.
Norrie Frese
January 26, 2021
We'll Meet Again https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sThuGZcEtuU
jack batcheller
July 12, 2018
I served with Jerome as a gunners mate on Swift Boat 15 1968. I had great admiration and respect for him. He was a great leader and man of the sea. I regret his passing.
Robert Warner
April 29, 2017
Jerry was the XO on my first ship. I learner a great deal from him which I used during my 35 year Naval career, I have nothing but fond memories of working with him and for him. He was a fine man and I consider him a friend.
Frederick Smallwood
February 20, 2017
I served with Jerry in Vietnam in 1968 and we crossed paths numerous times afterward, both on active duty and while serving in similar capacities as civilian ship masters following our naval service. When our ships' schedules coincided, we shared an adult beverage or two in Japan, Korea,and Singapore and solved many of the world's problems. I will miss you, "Lighthouse 26".
February 17, 2017
I am so sorry to hear about Mr. Peschka. The Peschkas were such a huge part of my childhood and I will always remember feeling loved, welcomed and cared for by them. Love and prayers to you all.
Ron Vendegna
February 5, 2017
My thoughts and Prayers go out to Jerry's family. I have only known Jerry for the last 4 years but the times we spent together were very special. I loved to hear him talk about his time out on the water during his career, and how he has been helping others going through cancer treatment. He was a remarkable man; always so positive and thoughtful. I will miss our little chats, and seeing him aboard the Maggie B. He always put this saying at the end of his email, Regards to All Hands and the ship's dogs and cats, now he is watching over all of us
Lee Hendrickson
February 4, 2017
The USS McCAFFERY DD/DDE 860 Association sends the Peschka Family our deepest sympathies for your loss of this fine and talented gentleman. Captain, may you have fair winds and following seas on this next journey of yours.
February 4, 2017
He is a new angel in heaven. Fuerza mi querida Mary. Abrazos a distancia.
Lally Heffner
February 4, 2017
Mary and Pat: You are in my thoughts and prayers.
I am truly sorry for your loss.
Patricia E Byrne
February 3, 2017
I am so sorry for your loss. I will keep the Peschka family in my prayers.
Norrie Frese
February 3, 2017
God looked around his garden
and found an empty space
Then He looked down upon this earth
and saw your tired face
He put his arms around you
and lifted you to rest
God's garden must be beautiful
He only takes the best
February 3, 2017
Jerry was definitely a special person who put others before himself, he showed this in how he assisted others who were ill ahead of himself.
He became a special friend of mine as we had a lot in common as it relates to our military experience's.
You as a family have a lot to be proud of, we wish you the best and our thoughts and prayers are with you.
John and Betty Sue Conner
Norrie
February 3, 2017
God looked around his garden and found an empty space
Then He looked down upon this earth and saw your tired face
He put his arms around you and lifted you to rest
God's garden must be beautiful
He only takes the best
Susan Frese
February 3, 2017
I am very sorry for your loss, and I hope you will take solace in remembering what a truly remarkable life Jerry had. It was an amazing life that produced two wonderful children and touched so many people. He really did it all! He even managed to bake the most amazing sweets in the midst of his lifelong adventure!
Andrea Berta
February 2, 2017
My sincere condolences to the family. I will be praying for all of you.
De English
February 2, 2017
In memory of Jerome A. Peschka - a remarkable man
De English
February 2, 2017
Jerry was so courageous through these past years with all the different treatment protocols that were tried. His strength and faith in God were remarkable and I do believe he is in a better place now. He knew his time would come, but he pushed to the limits all the time. I must say that I was horrified when he told me about the marathon last year I was amazed that he was so committed to it and did so well.
Jerry has been an ongoing inspiration for me in all that he has endured and in all he has given to so many around him. He would tell me about his work at the cancer center while being a patient there himself talking with other patients, transporting them, doing whatever he could to lift their spirits and give them hope. He told me about the goodies he would make for the staff, even when he had no desire to eat himself. Jerry was a remarkable man who will be missed by so many.
Jerry was so proud of his children Patrick and Mary and how they had grown up and done so well with their many accomplishments. Jerry was a very special person that we were so fortunate to know, to share stories with, to share adventures with like Cub Scouts and our children when he was not at sea.
I will miss his emails, our occasional phone chats and his never-ending spirit. He will always fondly be in our memories. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Peschka family as he reaches his final resting place with God.
Patrick, Jerry and David - St. John's graduation 1990
De English
February 2, 2017
Donna Saling
February 2, 2017
I have been honored to have him as my very dear friend
He was a Captain that took great pride in his ship and always took the time to ti let the crew know that he was grateful for their efforts.
Donna Saling
Chief Steward
O/S Santorini
Lourdes Blette
February 2, 2017
In Memory of Jerry: A few thoughts.
" What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us. What we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal." Albert Pike
"You can't cross the sea merely by standing and staring at the water." Rabindranath Tagore
To the Peschka family no words, can express my sympathy for your family at this painful loss. Jerry was loved and respected by all who knew him. He was a gentle man, generous, kind, lighthearted and soft spoken. A man of Faith and service to Family, God and Country. He will be missed.
One last thought on Jerry:
The unselfish effort to bring cheer to others will be the beginning of a happier life for ourselves.
Helen Keller
Until we meet again amigo, Vaya con Dios and as we say in New Mexico, "Hasta La Vista", Peace be with you and your family, Lourdes Blette. Cloudcroft , NM
Joyce France
February 1, 2017
He worked tirelessly to help people who were being treated for cancer. He looked for ways to help the Cancer Resource Center. There are not enough words to express how much he will be missed.
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