REVEREND NICHOLAS A. PESANKA

So much time has passed, but always think of Fr.Nick and what a wonderful pastor he was. God Bless

Hard to believe it has been ten years! Since Nick's passing I lost another classmate in 2014, also a priest, Fr Bob Dendinger from Tiffin, Ohio. We always remember (Nick, Chip) Fr Nick at our St Meinrad Seminary high school class re-unions. The guys still remember Nick during the two years of high school we shared. Reading what others have said about him truly reflects the personification of what a good and holy priest he was. God only knows how many souls he and Fr. Dendinger touched during their ministries. May you rest in peace, friend. Say hello to all of our baseball heroes from the '50s and '60s that come your way. Sorry I couldn't make it to those Pirate games you always invited me to see with you.

When I was in the eighth grade at St. Margaret's in Greentree, he was our favorite priest. We took a picture for him to have as a gift...it was my entire class posing really wild with a caption that stated "Before Fr. Nick", and then we took a second picture. all dressed up and quite calm with a caption that stated "After Fr. Nick". May he be blessed in God's presence now and forever.

I knew Nick from our years at St. Meinrad Minor Seminary, 1963-65. I just now learned of his passing. We both had a love of baseball and played it when we could. Deepest sympathy to his family.

MY NAME IS FRANCIS PESANKA FR NICK WHEN MY DAUGHTER WAS BORN CAME DOWN TO MIAMI AND BAPTISED HER THEN I TAUGHT CAT CLASSES AT ST RICHARDS PARISH N FR NICK CAME DOWN TO GIVE HER HER FIRST HOLY COMMUNION ALSO WHEH I GOT MARRIED AT ST ROSALIAS CHURCH IN 1989 HE MARRIED ME MARRIAGE ONLY LASTED 17 YEARS BUT I THINK FR NICK SCHOULD BE A SAINT FOR ALL HIS WORK FOR GOD

To the Family of Father Nick~We are so very, very sorry for your loss. We are parishioners of St. Germaine and we met Father Nick in the late spring of 1999 when we joined the church after enrolling our oldest son in the school. From the very first meeting we knew he was very special and we were right to join this parish. Over the next several years we grew to know Father well. He knew our children and always had time for them and to swing our youngest son who was a toddler at the time, up above his head. Our sons adored him. The monthly childrens' mass when he would give his homily on the floor of the altar with the children all around him was so very special and reminiscent of Jesus. We loved him very much and know that he awaits all of us when we will join him in Heaven one day. Please accept our deepest sympathy.
The Valetti Family
Rob, Lee Ann, Nick and Jordan

You were very special to me Fr. Nick. My your rewards be as great as you were.

Dear June:

I apologize for this message being late, but I truly enjoyed meeting and talking with you at your brother's visitation. To refresh your memory, I was the one who always wanted a brother while you always wanted a sister.

I knew your brother for many years, even though I was not a member of his parishes. On at least two occasions, he helped me get through some personal difficulties.

I also had an opportunity to "give back" by donating one of my (hand and machine made) craft items for the St. Germaine festival. I will never forget the look on his secratary's face as she looked into the sweet face of the stuffed bunny in her dress and bonnet. I can tell you now that that gift was made with lots of love and care and every stitch was a prayer for Father and the people of St. Germaine.

I will never, ever forget your brother for being such a special part of my life. If there is someone I KNOW is in heaven, he is the one and someone with the heart and the soul of a champion.

Kaaren Radecki, Pittsburgh, PA

To the family and friends of Father Pesanka,

You have my sympathy on the loss of your loved one. I did not know Father, personally, but read the heartbreaking story of his giving up the daily activities of the priesthood. I often wondered how he was doing. I'm sure he is in the hands of the Lord now and at peace.

The loss of Fr. Nick is so great but the impact that he left for all of us is so much greater. The years he spent at St.Germaine were the best years of that parrish. He brought joy,love.peace,happiness,enthusium and a closeness to that parrish that was never there before. To the family of Fr. Nick you will be in my heart and prayers along with Fr. Nick I'm so sorry for your loss. Verno Family Bethel Park

Our entire family was touched and enriched by Fr. Nick. We can only conclude that he was needed by God in Heaven to continue his work. Thank you Lord for Father Nicholas.

While at St. Margaret's, Fr. Nick delivered a sermon on the power of "The Our Father". He explained in detail, the deeper meanings of the phrases and words of the prayer. From that day on the Our Father has been for me the powerful prayer that God meant it to be. I always think of Father Nick being the one to give me that great gift. God Bless, Susan

Dear Pesanka Family,

Fr. Nick was one of a kind...... a good priest and friend. He is missed!

We would like to extend our condolences to Father's Nick's family and all who loved him. We attended St. Wendelin's church when he was a priest there and he married my sister. We use to talk to him after mass and he made such an impression on our family. We were sorry to see him go when we left St. Wendelin's and even sorrier to hear of his passing. He will be truly missed.

The Zoldos Family

We will always remember Fr. Nick for the way he treated us when we attended St. Germaine School. Our fondest memories of him was seeing him walking around the Parish Festival every night talking and even courageously sitting in the "Dunk Tank." His presence gave you a sense of belonging, and at the same time knowing you were helping to make this event a success. We had so much fun working the booths and felt like a part of the truly big family of St. Germaine. The students at St. Germaine School just loved his spirit and friendliness as was evident when he made his weekly visits to our classrooms. He would boldly "climb" the hill with us to play in the Annual Baseball game on May Day. He attended our basketball games to cheer on the "Chargers" and showed us his love for sports and competition. We remember his kind words of encouragement when we each graduated from St. Germaine School to enter our next level of High School. Fr. Nick was also good to so many families in the St. Germaine community. When our Grandmother was dying in Allegheny General Hospital 9 years ago, he visited her to give her the Last Rites because he knew how important it was to our family that a parish priest anoint her before her death. That's just the way he was. He cared about people's feelings, and would never deliberately hurt anyone. We extend our sincere sympathy to his family members whom he held dear to his heart. He was proud of his family, and was extremely grateful for all of them. May you rest in peace, Fr. Nick.

Fr. Nick took the kids from St. Margaret's youth group, to the Jersey shore, whitewater rafting, to retreats at Laurel Hill and countless other events. Nice memories. He always managed to keep his sense of humor, and brought God, and faith along on the trips.
I will NEVER forget his sermon when he spotted John Madden(who was the head coach of the Oakland Raiders at the time) in the pews at mass. He delivered a sermon comparing the Blessed Virgin Mary to a linebacker. Yes, it is true, and it was wonderful. He ended with a short prayer for a Steeler victory. John Madden smiled, as we all did.
Thank you Fr. Nick, and rest in peace.
Sincere sympathy to the Pesanka Family.

June, Kenny, Ron and Mark,
I was so sorry to here of the loss of your brother and my dear, sweet friend "Chipper". We were friends since we were kids in Brookline and we kept in touch and remained friends over the years. I will miss him.

Rest in peace, my friend. I will always love you.

Dear Ken and Debbie...I am so sorry to hear about Father Nick and the terrible disease that he so gallantly fought. As a member of St. Germaines and your neighbor for years, I saw in him such a special person. I remember so clearly his last Mass at St. Germaines where there wasn't a dry eye in the church. He hugged every parishoner and offered each one a word of encouragement and hope. What a tragedy, what a loss. Please know that many of your friends and Father Nick's friends are praying for all of you to find comfort. I live in Canton, Ohio now near my children and was not able to get in for the funeral. My deepest sympathy, Judy Lorigan, Canton, Ohio

Dear June and family, you and I were Resurrection Grade School and Elizabeth Seton High School classmates. I remember your handsome brother from school and Brookline. I knew he had become a priest years ago but after reading all these Guest Book tributes, I have now learned what a wonderful priest and man he had become. This Sunday at Mass at St. Bernard's, I was saddened and shocked to hear of his passing from this horrible disease taking him at such a young age but know and believe your brother is at peace and love with our Lord. May God bless him and your extended family. My sincere sympathy at your loss, Roseann Salamon Ladeda

La Salle Hall – Christian Brothers
6001 Ammendale Road
Beltsville MD 20705 ~ 1202

301-210-7443, ext. # 37
[email protected]

+ 26 January 2011 +

Dear Family of Father Nick,

Bobby Daley was kind enough to inform me of Nicky's birth now fully into eternal life. I had the privilege of teaching Nicky at South Hills Catholic back in the mid 60s.

How singularly blessed you are to have the privilege of your beloved Nicky as such an important and significant part of your life. And now, with his birth fully into eternal life you have a most powerful intercessor in the next.

So much like Thérèse of Lisieux, the most recent, youngest, and third woman doctor of the Church, I do believe your beloved Nicky is rather bored with the concept of eternal rest, and, instead, has been very busy, in ways known only to God, doing good all over this earth for so many of us today. Your own life, I believe, over these past days has been deeply influenced and affected by his presence, his love, and his intercession, in a very new way.

When your Nicky passed on from his family, oh how your hearts must have been so broken! Oh how darkness must have invaded your lives! Yet you knew from the very faith that he so gloriously and generously shared, even with those of us not within the bosom of the family, that all is not lost, that all is not dark, and that all is not broken.

In this extremely painful time in your and your family’s life, you must feel that we all could take some comfort still in the gift of faith that God has given us. For it is truly a gift and it is that gift of faith that saves us from complete despair, that assures us that all is not lost, that helps all of us believe that in death life is not ended but only changed.

Nevertheless, that fantastic and totally gratuitous gift of faith from God does not take away the pain, does not take away the sorrow, and does not take away the brokenness. The great nineteenth century French existentialist philosopher, Paul Claudel, told us clearly that Jesus came, not to take away our pain and suffering, but to walk with us through it all.

When folks gathered to console you and your family, I could just imagine you all greeting them with these sentiments: “If you’ve come here to be sorrowful, you’ve come to the wrong place. For, we are commemorating a great life, a life lived fully!”

You then invited all to celebrate your beloved Nicky’s life at the Eucharist of the Resurrection and to give thanks for all that he means to each of us and for all God has blessed each of us with through his beautiful life. Your celebration together on his funeral day made that a moment in which the goodness of the God of life was affirmed and your sad hearts were lifted up in gratitude.

As you committed your beloved Nicky to God, you blessed him who had blessed you so often during his magnificent life. Tears pushed themselves into your eyes, making you feel very alone and very sad. You could only repeat the words that have resounded throughout the ages: “May eternal light enlighten him that he may rest in peace.”

I firmly believe that your Nicky lives because Jesus lives! Life is changed, not taken away. His eyes, now filled with the light of heaven, will always be watching over each of us, but especially you, as he awaits the day when we shall all share his now perfect joy.

I also believe that, just as Jesus said he must go in order to send His Spirit, so your beloved Nicky now continues on into eternal life and has likewise left us his spirit—together with his smile, his faith, hope, and love, his wisdom, his sanctity, and his holiness. I truly believe that your Nicky died in the conviction that his work—his spiritual work, was just then beginning and that his dying and death were leading him to a new role in the human enterprise of truth and salvation.

It now has been some time now since your Nicky has returned to God, and as you reflect, you realize how terribly you miss him, how much he loves you, and how deeply you love him. There are so many things in your daily routine of life that remind you of him. As you go through your days now, everything that for years had spoken of his presence now reminds you of his absence. Everything that had always told you that he was home now tells you that you will never hear his warm, loving voice again.

You are rediscovering the many ways in which he has left you all. What for years had been so obvious, self-evident, and normal has now become a subject of memory. Often the small things seem the most painful, the little customs which had become part of your life together. It is slowly dawning on you that he who had followed every decision you made, had discussed every problem you had, had listened to each adventure you had undertaken, and had considered your life as important as his, is no longer here.

Little by little you are becoming aware that your beloved Nicky, although seemingly far away now, has always been part of your wanderings, and that indeed, you had viewed the world through the eyes of him to whom you could always tell your story. You are beginning to feel that your experiences have become emptier, less meaningful, even somewhat absurd, because the ever-present dialogue with him has suddenly come to an end.

Even so, you still find yourself thinking: “I should call or talk with Nicky about this” or “I should write him about that,” or “he will just love to hear this story when I see him next,” only to realize that he will never again read your letters or hear your stories. What is the value of your experience and trips, your successes and failures, your struggles and joys, when your stories remain hanging in the air?

As you return, or try to return to your ordinary every-day life, it is your beloved Nicky’s absence that pervades your feelings, and you know that the time has come for you to learn again how to make this world your home once more. Gradually, are you not now recognizing that you have become a different person, a brother without your brother, a person alone in a new way, an advocate without your confidant?

I am reminded of those incredible words spoken spontaneously by Bobby Kennedy in an equally incredible manner in announcing the death of Martin Luther King as he alighted from his airplane the night of April 4th in 1968 in Indianapolis. “My favorite poem, my favorite poet was Aeschylus. And he once wrote:

Even in our sleep,
pain
which cannot forget
falls drop by drop
upon the heart,
until,
in our own despair,
against our will,
comes wisdom
through the awful grace of God.

However, especially contemplating the meaning and message of the Resurrection, if your Brother’s death was indeed a death with Christ, should we not then hope that he would also likewise participate in the sending of the Spirit anew? The deeper you enter into your own grieving, the more you become aware that something new is about to be born, something that you had not known before.

You begin to wonder if Jesus does not send his Spirit afresh every time someone with whom we are connected by bonds of love leaves us. To forget your Brother would be like forbidding him to send the Spirit again to us, refusing to let him lift us up to a new level of insight, meaning, and understanding of our own life.

Are you now not starting to feel the power of Jesus’ words: “It is for your own good that I am going, because unless I go, the Advocate, the Spirit, will not come to you; but if I do go, I will send the Spirit to you …. When the Spirit of truth comes he will lead you to the complete truth.”? (John 16:7 & 13)

I would beg you to grieve until you can grieve no more, fully, and completely empty, to the very bottom. You have to let go completely of the life you so much loved and enjoyed on this earth while he was physically with us. Only in that way can you gradually once again begin to be filled up with his new life that he so enjoys and now waits for you to enjoy with him.

To remember your Brother means making him a participant in God’s on-going work of redemption and salvation by allowing him to dispel in you a little more of your own darkness and lead you a little closer to the light. By letting him go you do not loose him. Rather, you find that he is closer to you than ever before. In and through the Spirit of Christ, he indeed is becoming a part of your very being. Above all, I know that you must be patient and allow he who taught you so much by his life, to teach you even more by his death.

Most of all, I plead with you to pray to your now heavenly sanctified Brother and call upon him for his help and intercession in your every need and desire, because he now sees and touches the very face of God every instant! And your precious beloved loving Brother can do ever so much more for you now from heaven than he could ever do for you while he was still upon this earth.

God love you real special, for I know your beloved Nicky unquestionably does,

Brother Henry

No eye has seen no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him." 1 Corinthians 2:9b
Rest in peace Fr. Nick as you walk with the angels.
Thank you for being my friend..always...

Mark, Linda, Jesse, Lindsay, and Nick....
Peace be with all of you at this time. Sorry to hear of your loss.

The Stangl Family

I remember Nick going with Rich and me to Jumonville for a retreat with our C.C.D. students from Resurrection Parish. He was a seminarian then. The students loved having him there and it was such a good experience for them.
I also remember him bringing Holy Communion to my Mom when he was at St. Wendelin's. She always eagarly awaited his visits.
I can imagine Rich and Nick meeting each other now with a big hug and smiles. May they both rest in peace.
Deacon Rich Very's wife & family

To the family of Fr Nick & his loyal friend Fr Regis Farmer, My deepest expre-ssion of sympathy. FR Nick was an excell- ent Catholic priest & a kind person.
Father Ken Oldenski, retired in Florida

Our deepest condolences to the Pesanka family. Fr. Nick was a wonderful and caring personand priest He will be greatly missed by everyone that knew him.

Sad to hear of Father Nick's passing. He truly inspired the lives of parishioners while he served at Our Lady of Fatima Parish. Thanks Father Nick for your always present kindness!

Fr Nick was a special person who touched many lives. I especially remember all the special times we had in the youth group at ST Margarets. The "drop in center" he created and all the trips he planned from Laurl hill state park camping trips every june to Kentuckt to help the poor and all the ski trips to wisp. He was a grat friend and mentor to me and alot of other youth, He was never judgmental. He found the best in evreyone He will be missed Thanks for all you did. I Never forget what all you did for me and what a special friend you were to me You certaintanly were an angel.

I went to St Margaret school in the late 70's when Fr. Nick was there. He prepared me to be baptized when I was in 6th grade, as an adult I am so proud that he was the one to baptize me into the Catholic faith. He was such a great mentor for young adults, I too went on many Youth Group outings. Fr. Nick you were a true inspiration to all. God Bless the Pesanka family, I know he already has.

Fr. Nick. May you rest in peace .

Fr. Nick, Thank you for all the good things that you did for our boys, while you were at St. Wendelin's. You will be dearly missed . May you rest in peace and May The Good Lord Hold You In The Palm of His Hands

To the Pensanka family,
My condolences for your loss. I belong to Our Lady of Fatima parish and fondly remember Fr. Nick. He was such a comfort to my family when my mother passed away those many years ago. He was so kind and caring -- God Bless.

I was saddened to hear of Father Nick's passing. My sympathy to his whole family! He was the most caring and sincere pastor! I will cherish the memories I have of him at St. Germaine. Be thankful that his suffering has ended and he is at peace in heaven!

to the pesanka family,
growing up next door to you, we greatly feel your loss. although we have not seen "chip" for some time, we always loved and admired him. fr nick, you will always be chip to us. i remember when my mother was on her death bed, fr nick, accompanied by his mother came over and he performed the blessing of the sick. god love you and bless you chip. we have such beautiful, fond memories of our childhood and you, although a little older, were always someone special. please pray for us chip, for you are home.
noni livingston

Dear Kenny and Debbie I was sorry to read of your brothers passing at such a young age. I would see him every so often when he would visit a patient in the nursing home i work at. I still can remember comming to your house when we were in high school and all us girls would swoon over your brothers good looks and summer time tan. After all those years when i saw him for the first time at work I knew who he was. He never lost that charm. Please except my condolences to your family. I am unable to attend visitation. God Bless

Fr. Nick was a huge part of our lives. We met him when we lost our father and husband 35 years ago, when he was a priest in Ellwood City. Throughout the years he was with all of us through the many milestones of our life...saying that he was a wonderful man would be an understatement. He was our angel. He will be missed. Our deepest sympathies go out to the Pesanka family.

Dear Pesanka family,

I am very sorry to hear of your loss. Fr Nick will always have a special place in my heart. I will never forget how he comforted my family during the loss of our father. We continued to stay in touch with him well after he left Ellwood City. We will miss him.

To the Pesanka Family you have my deepest sympathy. I will never forget Fr. Nick's warm smile. He was a part of childhood that i will forever cherish.
May he rest in peace.

“If you are what you should be, you will set the world on fire!” - St. Catherine of Sienna

On Friday, January 21st, 2011, I was visiting with my mother at the Little Sister of the Poor. While with her in the sitting room, Mr. Stanley Zubik, commonly known as ‘Stush’, (the father of our bishop, David A. Zubik), asked me, “Did you hear the news that Fr. Nicholas Pesanka died at 6:00 a.m. today? He was a classmate of my son’s and they were ordained together by Bishop Leonard, on May 3rd, 1975.” Immediately my thoughts turned to this ‘bigger than life’ figure of my childhood days. When I was 13 years of age, growing up at SS Simon and Jude in Scott Twp., there was a young, attractive, athletic, muscular and compassionate priest just down the street at St. Margaret of Scotland Parish in Greentree. My sister and her friends joined his youth group just to be with and around him. Soon I began to attend the Sunday evening Masses there, and each time I saw him, I said to myself, “I want to be like Fr. Nick.” His ‘down-to-earth’ style, his ‘manly’ demeanor, his contagious joy, and his deep compassion for everyone were qualities that set him apart. The Book of Ecclesiastes says, “Young people, enjoy your youth. Be happy while you are still young. Do what you want to, and follow your heart’s desire. But remember, that God is going to judge you for whatever you do.” (Eccl.11:9) Nick was always ‘young at heart’. He had the innocence of a kid, the strength of a man, and the wisdom of a follower of Jesus. His heart’s desire was simply to bring Jesus to people and people to Jesus, whether through serving as a youth leader, teaching children in school, playing basketball on a court, playing baseball on a diamond, playing football on a gridiron, or serving as pastor in a parish. Nick had a competitive spirit in his rigorous weight-lifting workouts, his commitment to teens through sports, and the Catholic values that were instilled in him. Nick was so fiercely competitive that I believe he’d even knock his own mother down while playing badminton or volleyball! He received his strong faith from his late parents, Irene and Nicholas Pesanka, members of Resurrection Parish in Brookline. During my time serving as Chaplain at Mercy Hospital, I recall his mother and father dying a week apart, both on a Friday. So too, Fr. Nick died on a Friday. His mom died of amyloidosis on 3-5-99 and his father died of complications from dementia on 3-12-99.

As my first assignment in May of 1988, I was sent to Our Lady of Fatima in Hopewell Twp. I recall a parishioner telling me, “Just remember, you’re not here to replace Fr. Nick; instead you are here to take his space.” The first day I entered his old living quarters. I looked at the walls, and the color of the room was pink. The bathroom was gold. As a newly-ordained priest I was looking for perfection. I asked him, “Do you like the colors of pink and gold?” He simply remarked, “I’ve not looked at the walls in 7 years.” There was baseball gear, bats. mitts, balls, sports memorabilia, and countless greeting cards strewn across the floor. I will never forget that he took me, the first day on the job, around to the 30 communion calls in the parish, so that these elderly ‘home-bound parishioners’ would see that there was a transfer of priests in the parish.

He wanted them to welcome me. I will never forget that great act of kindness. Day two, a funeral came in, and Fr. Nick called to say, “Don’t worry about that one, I will cover it for you. I know how it is just getting started, and finding your way in ministry.” (I breathed a bit easier!) I followed in his footsteps by serving as the leader of the youth group and teaching in the Catholic school there. He taught me the intangible importance of witnessing and teaching future generations.

I felt his ‘fingerprints’ all over that faith community in which I was privileged to succeed his great efforts. When Fr. Nick went on to serve at St. Wendelin Parish in Carrick, I was glad that he was sent closer to home, as he was closely knitted to his siblings, June, Ken, Ron, and Mark. His mom’s home cooking and motherly correcting continued to color his life. His parents were so proud that he had become a priest. His mother served as a cantor and lector at Resurrection Parish, (the place of his funeral), and I remember his mom telling him that her neighbors all wanted him to preach for them. In my early years of priesthood, I would often call and share questions and notes with him. He had a degree in counseling and had keen insights into interpersonal relationships. Once while speaking, he told me that young kids had been breaking beer bottles off of the tomb stones at St. Wendelin Cemetery in Carrick. He went out to see them in the middle of the night with his imposing figure and shouted, “The next time you break a bottle over a tombstone, it will be your head!” No one was going to negotiate with him as they fled in fear! While I was serving at St. Thomas More Parish in Bethel Park, from 2000-2004, I regularly assisted Fr. Nick in taking a Mass at the adjacent parish of St. Germaine. He called me his ‘runner priest’ in order to get a break so that he could take a run in South Park, and also to give his people a change of pace. I always enjoyed the spirit of worship and music at that church.

It was a very sad day when Fr. Nick, in his early 50’s was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease. Even in this ‘darkness’, he let Christ’s ‘light’ shine so beautifully. From my early days as a child, I am grateful that God sent into my path such a committed priest as Fr. Nick. He was focused on his vocation and he allowed the flavors of his interests to enhance his ministry. Perhaps the greatest moment and discovery of our lives is found in our personal vocation from God. For fidelity to our vocation is fidelity to God and to the mission and ministry entrusted to us with and for, which we were created. It is our specific and personal way of giving glory, honor and praise to God through doing His will on earth — and in His will, our peace is found. There was no greater passion in Nick’s life than to celebrate the holy sacraments of the Church for God’s people. Next to his sports’ page was always his Divine Office, and he would say, as he kissed his Breviary, “The Church is a beautiful bride to be married to, and I’m grateful for God’s call and love.” Yes, a priest is called by God and by the Church to serve others, to sacrifice for others, to suffer for others, to die for others and to love others. May we be comforted and consoled by the words of St. Paul- “I have done my best in the race, I have run the full distance, and I have kept the faith.” (2 Tim 4:7)
- In loving memory of Fr. Nick Pesanka (8-30-49 to 1-21-11)
By Father Richard S. Jones, Pastor of Saint Joseph Church - Coraopolis, Pa.

Dear Pesanka family,

My husband and I are so sorry to hear of your loss. I went to St Wendelins and he was an inspiration and mentor to me during some difficult times. I moved away to Texas and stayed in touch over the years. He married Brad and I in 1996. He will be truly missed by all. Our sympathy and heart goes out to your family with this tremendous loss.

Dear Pesanka family

My wife and I have fond memories of Fr. Nick while he was at
St. Margaret of Scotland Church and our children attended St.
Margaret's School. He was truly a wonderful and thoughful
person and the children adored him greatly. We will miss him
and will keep him and your family in our prayers.

Ed and Joanne Horner

I attended St. Margaret of Scotland School in the 1970's and Fr. Nick was a vibrant priest who spent countless hours building the youth program. His enthusiasm was contagious and he was a wonderful role model. My sympathies to his family and friends. (Lois Boehm Leonard)

My family and I are so sorry to hear of Fr. Nick's passing. I worked at the St. Germaine School cafeteria for 5 years and had the pleasure of seeing Fr. Nick almost everyday. He was so good with the school children! My husband also had the privilege of taking the classes to become Catholic under Fr. Nick's direction and couldn't say enough good things about him. He has been and will continue to be sorely missed by the St. Germaine community.

Fr. Nick was such a special man and an inspiration to all who were lucky enough to know him. I will always remember the great times we shared with him at St. Wendelin. He will be missed. May he rest in peace.

Dear Pesanka Family:
Our sincere sympathy in the passing of your brother and our former pastor at St Germaine Church. Fr. Nick will always be remember as a "people's pastor." He was a caring man, and was so good to our family in so many ways. I can still see in my mind him handing our children their diplomas on the day each of them graduated from St. Germaine School. May the memories your shared with him help you through this most difficult time in each of your lives. May you rest in peace, Fr. Nick. Job well done, oh faithful servant!
Sincerely,

Dear Pesanka Family,
My family and I met Fr.Nick when my daughter Sarah was a student at St. Germaine's,I always remember thinking how wonderful it was for the kids to get to experience a priest with such a kind and gentle soul who truly enjoyed being with them. We all were blessed with having the pleasure of knowing him. Recently my father-in-law has been in Arden Court and I got to be reacquainted with Fr. and I am so happy for him that his suffering has ended and I know he is truly earned his reward to heaven. I also know this has been a long road for all of you and I am so glad that you do not have to endure this horrendous disease any longer. God Bless you all and rest in peace Fr. Nick as you walk with the angels.

We have wonderful memories of his times at St. Wendelin's and St. Germaine's. When he came to annoint my father-in-law, he noticed Dad had 3 hole-in-one trophies. Fr. Nick was impressed. He was thrilled to let us know at Dad's funeral that he got his own hole-in-one the day before.
God be with all of you. This is so sad, but wonderful for him to be at peace.

To Pesanka Family
We were sorry to learn of your great loss and send you our deepest sympathy.
Bucci Family from St. Wendelin

Father Nick married mhy husband and I at st. Germaine's in 2002. When my husband and I heard of his passing yesterday, I looked at my 2 children yesterday when I heard of his passing I felt so sadly that they wouldn't know him. He was such a wonderful man. I have thought of him often over the years and am so saddened that we had him on this earth for such a short time.

Our sympathy goes out to the Pesanka family. We met Father Nick when he came to Saint Margaret's and our boys were in school there. Over the years we have thought of him often. With his friendly way and his energy you were drawn to him. He will be missed,but he is home now.

He has always been a part of my family. I remember him from when I was a little girl. He was so full of love and life. He married my husband and I and baptised my two daughters at St. Germaines. We love him so much and he will be so missed.

Dear Pesanka Family, I have wonderful memories of Fr. Nick....He married me at St Germaine's. I wasn't Catholic at the time but am now after attending RCIA. My husband played soft ball with him. He is with his creator now. How wonderful..Many Blessings, Hollie Pajak. ST Thomas More.

We have nothing but the best memories of you at St. Germaine and in our hearts.

My deepest condolences to the Pesanka Family at the passing of Fr. Nick. He was a wonderful spiritual leader with a loving and compassionate heart. He helped me when I was dealing with a tragic event. I will always remember his smile and kindness. He was a true inspiration. God bless you, Fr. Nick.

To the family of Father Nick,
So sorry for the loss of Nick. I met Nick through my sister Dianne (Toth) Gerhold who was a parishoner at St. Germaine's Church. Father Nick was always so friendly and gracious. I am so thankful that Father Nick took the time to come to Jefferson Hospital the day before my father had heart surgery. He prayed with us and performed the annointing of the sick over my father before his surgery. I know that his special blessing helped my father stay strong and healed him. Thanks Father Nick and my God open his arms to you and may you be at peace.
Debbie Sapienza
Castle Shannon PA

My thoughts and prayers are with Fr. Nick and his family at this time. Mary Schultis (St. Wendelin Parish)

I knew Father Nick when my son went to St. Margaret's but I also knew his brother Ronnie before that. They led different lives but I found both to be great friends. I moved away and lost touch but I think of them both everytime I watch the Steelers play. Nick will surely be missed.

Nick was a good childhood friend and I have fond memories of playing ball together in the Brookline Little League and Senior Little League. And I have a photo of our All-Star team which includes Nick. He had a great outlook and I remember he was always in a happy mood. He was a very honest and comfortable friend to be around.

I moved away from the Burg when I graduated from college but every now and then an old Brookline friend would share a story about Nick as a priest and just as you would expect it was something that was always positive and with good intentions --- just as I'll always remember my old teammate. He will be missed but somehow I know he'll be working behind the scenes to help people in need.

You were an inspiration to many lives that you touched. You will never be forgotten and loved by so many!

Fr. Nick was an amazing person. Any persson that came in contact with him was touched by his kind and loving heart. He alway made you feel wonderful. He will be greatly missed by all.
God Bless your family.
TerryAnn & Robert Michel

You have lived your life and carried out your ministry with an intensity and zest that I have always respected, and I am deeply saddened by your passing.

The loss of a beloved brother is so hard to cope with. When we lost our brother John Moskala it was his friend Fr. Nick who saw our family thru the roughest of times. May his family be blessed with someone as caring at this time.We will always remember what a kind caring man he was and how blessed our family was to know him. May god bless him and his family.Eternal rest be his lord,as he has indeed earned it as your servant here on earth. With our deepest sympathy..

The Pesanka Family, I was deeply saddened to hear about Fr Nick's passing He has played many roles in my life and helped me through a very difficult time The memories I have are all good and happy ones that I will treasure He was loved and will be missed but never forgotten God Bless Marjorie Goulding Chappel

I am very sad to learn that Father Nick is no longer with us. We really loved father nick at St. Wendelin Church.
Diana Singer Mueller

Learning of the passing of Fr.
Nick many memories came to mind, He came to St. Margaret in my 7th grade (1976), he was more than a priest he
was a FRIEND throughout my high school years, remembering the youth
group, many ski trips, trips to the Kentucky Appalachians to work on
homes.... We may have lost him as a person but, will never... lose the
memories......

The years we spend at St. Germaine Parish with Fr. Nick were the best. Our kids loved him when they went to school there. My wife and I enjoy working with him with Confirmation Class and other items such as helping and participating as Eucharistic Ministers and a Lector. We have missed his smile since the onset on this cruel disease. God bless him and all his family.
The Caldwell Family

I was in Father Nick's company one time while visiting my aunt. He came to visit her family. He prayed with me and blessed me while I was there. I was so touched by that, I never forgot it.

I was sorry to hear of your loss,
Father nick played basketball for many years at Whitehall elementary. He was a great and caring person and will be missed. God Bless

Dear Deb and the Pesanka family, We are so saddened to hear of Fr. Nick's passing. He was such a wonderful person. He was right there for us when my father was dying from cancer and he was such a great friend and support to me when I was going through a difficult time in my life. One of my favorite memories of Fr. Nick was when he was jogging in South Park and I ran in to him on the main drag of Corrigan Drive. We stood there talking and all the girls/women drove past and beeped the horn or whistled out the window. Fr. Nick said "you have a lot of friends down here". I replied, "they're not beeping at me. They're beeping at you"! We both stood there laughing. I will always remember that kind smile. My family and I are parishioners at St. Germaine. As sad as I am, I find joy in the fact that Fr. Nick is no longer suffering from that horrible disease and that he is at rest in Heaven with his parents. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Pesanka family during this difficult time. Fr. Nick was very much loved.
Lori Kleppner and famliy

To the Pesanka Family,
I was deeply saddened to read of the passing of Fr. Nick. I too am I product of Resurrection school and church. I always remember seeing your parents in mass each week. As a young teacher I was fortunate to get a job teaching at St. Germaine's where Fr. Nick was pastor. We were able to share many "Ressi" stories with one another. He was a true inspiration to many and I for one will never forget him. I have thought of him often over these last few years and I am still so saddened by the awful disease that took him away from all of us way too soon! Your family will be in my continued prayers as will Fr. Nick as he now begins his eternal journey.
Amy (O'Toole) Shaughnessy

The Pesanka family - I was a member of St. Germaine the entire time Fr. Nick was pastor and he was greatly loved. He has been missed but he is now at peace in the arms of the Father he so dearly loved.
Sue Petrick, Burke, Va.

Fr. Nick was a blessing to all who knew him. He was a true, genuine man of God. We were lucky to have him in our lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ken, Ron & Mark and their families, your loss is our loss. May God's peace help you find comfort.

We'll always remember the good times we had working out at Gold's Gym.

Fr Nick was always a wonderful priest. We remember him fondly when he was a moderator for St. Margaret's Youth group many years ago. He was an inspiration to anyone who knew him. Our prayers and condolences to the Pesanka family. Jim & Vicki Bittner

God looked around His garden and He found and empty place.
He then looked down on 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.
He knew that you were suffering, He knew you were in pain.
He knew that you would never get well on earth again.
So He closed your weary eyelids, and whispered, "Come with Me."
It broke our hearts to lose you, but you didn't go alone.
A part of us went with you, the day God called you home.

You are forever in our hearts. We love you and will miss you terribly. There will never be another "Fr. Nick."

Fr. Nick,
I have such wonderful memories of you from Our Lady of Fatima, our ski outings and my wedding. You're love of life was contagious. I'm know that you are at peace and enjoying every minute of your homecoming. My deepest sympathies to your family. I'm sure you are going to be greatly missed by them.

DEAR KEN AND FAMILY,
I'M SORRY TO LEARN OF FATHER NICK'S PASSING. ALL OF THE MEMORIES WILL LET HIS SPIRIT LIVE ON.
GOD BLESS

I attended St. Germaine for all of my elementary school years, and Fr. Nick was our priest for the majority of my time there. He was a wonderful man who was well-loved and will certainly be dearly missed by his former students and the St. Germaine parishioners. Rest in Peace.

I was a student at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School when Fr. Nick first came to our parish. He was so young and cool and nice. We loved you, Fr. Nick! You will be missed, but I know that you are enjoying a beautiful well-deserved peace.

You are at peace now but you will be greatly missed by all. May God give comfort and peace to your family and to all those who knew you as well. Our very deepest sympathies.
Jim & Barb Eiben and family

You are at peace now with your angels.

Ryan, Sharon (Pesanka), and Sasha Ruebesam

Do not stand at my grave and weep,

I am not there, I do not sleep.I am a thousand winds that blow;I am the diamond glints on the snow.I am the sunlight that ripened grain;I am the gentle autumns’s rain.When you awaken in the morning’s hush,I am the swift uplifting rush,Of quiet birds in circled flight.I am the soft star that shines at night.Do not stand at my grave and cry.I am not there; I did not die.

Nick was a teammate in soft ball and a dear friend in life. I miss him.

So sorry to read of this. We lived down the street from you all on Harcor Drive.
Ann Campoll

We remember Father Nick when we were involved in Engaged Encounter. He was always in such a pleasant happy mood. We so enjoyed his humor too.
We were blest by his presence in our lives.
Sincerely,

You were always an inspiration to everyone especially my family. Thank you for always being there. The Baraky Family (Greentree, Pa)

My prayers are for the family. I attended Resurrection Grade School with Nick and haven't seen him since our 1963 graduation. He certainly lead a full life and I'm sure helped many people. Rest in peace.

You will always live in our hearts and prayers.

A valued priest of Christ who will be greatly missed by those he ministered to and to those who ministered under his leadership--God keep you close to his heart. Thank you for showing me what it means to be a Deacon. Jim Kenny

For such a vibrant soul it has been a very long walk. Rest in peace Nick.

Our family will miss you Uncle Chip ~ you were such a fun uncle when I was growing up and I was always very proud to answer "yes" when someone, upon hearing my name, would ask "Are you related to Fr Nick?". You touched so many lives and everyone will miss you. I love you - Lisa, Jim and kids

You're safe now...