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BORN
1938
DIED
2018
FUNERAL HOME
J. Pustelak Obituary
He was born in Erie, on June 13, 1938, a son of the late Joseph E. and Susan B. (Gruzosky) Pustelak.
Bill graduated from the Rice Avenue Union High School in 1956, where he was a well-known football player for the "Yellow Jackets." He loved drag racing when young and began his working career at North Girard Concrete Works. He later went to work for Girard Masonry, and eventually became a partner in the business. In 1972 he founded Pustelak Masonry, which he operated until his retirement in 2010.
Bill was known for his philanthropic work throughout Erie and Crawford Counties, donating to many church, historic and community projects for many years. He and his wife Audrey also co-owned Cycle City of Erie, which began in 1982.
He was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Girard, where he participated in the finance committee. In 2006, Bill was bestowed, Knight of Pope St. Sylvester by Pope Benedict XVI.
He loved motocross and taking his family to motocross races for years throughout the U.S.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Audrey (Johnson) Pustelak, whom he married on May 10, 1958 in Girard; a daughter, Jennifer Pustelak, in infancy; and a brother, Dennis L. Pustelak.
He will be greatly missed by his family, which include his daughter, Susan K. Vogt (Chris Sobczak); two sons, Gary W. Pustelak (Christine) and Timothy J. Pustelak; a sister, Kathy Lance (Butch); his grandchildren, Rylee, Bobbi Jo, Tricia, Timothy, Angel, Joey, Caden, Morgan, Liam, Langston and Kaycee; his great-grandchildren, Mason, Addisyn, Tanner, Austin and Tyla; and also several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Friends may call on Friday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at Edder Funeral Home Inc., 309 Main Street East, Girard, and are invited to attend a Prayer Service there on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. followed by the funeral mass at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church at 11 a.m. with Rev. John Detisch officiating.
Burial will be in St. John Cemetery, Girard.
Memorials may be made to the William Pustelak memorial fund, in care of Edder Funeral Home.
Bill's family would like to express their gratitude to the 8th floor of UPMC Hamot for their professional and compassionate care of their father, during his recent illness.
To send condolences, visit edderfuneralhome.com.
Sign the Guestbook at www.GoErie.com/obits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for J. Pustelak
Sponsored by Edder Funeral Home, Inc. - Girard.
Pat Strutt
June 1, 2018
My condolences to the family.
I spent many days during my childhood with Billy and his siblings on the farm in Girard. Over the years our paths went in differnt directions but the memories are still there. I will light a candle for him and Audrey this week.
June 1, 2018
Gary and Family,
Our thoughts and condolences are with you all at this time. Bill was a good guy and it's so hard to let your parents go...
Let your memories of good times help you through the rough times.
Jack and Valerie Pesta
June 1, 2018
Bill was a true craftsman in his profession. Honest, hard working, generous and you always knew where you stood with him. He was a gentleman and a benefit to all who knew him.
Jeff Evans
John Fralic
June 1, 2018
I really am at a loss of words...
My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Pustelak family...
Unknown to many, is the positive impact Papa P had on my life. None more important the power and promise that comes with a handshake and the impact of a man's word as his bond!
Growing up with Tim as one of my best friends, it was a important lesson but a lesson never forgotten.
John S Fralic
John S Fralic
May 31, 2018
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Durlin
May 31, 2018
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998
Sabra and Joe Pasky
May 31, 2018
Bill always ran a good masonry job and was good to work with.
Karen Huey
May 31, 2018
Dear Gary,
My condolences to you and your family.
Karen (Patrick) Huey
(E.C.D.C.)
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Edder Funeral Home, Inc. - Girard309 Main St. East, Girard, PA 16417
Jun
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Edder Funeral Home, Inc. - Girard309 Main St. East, Girard, PA 16417
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