Jan Roger Pietrzyk

Jan was born to Lois and John Pietrzyk on March 11, 1947, in Cairo, Georgia. He was a lifetime resident of Tallahassee who took great pride in his city. He graduated from Leon High School in 1965 and went on to join the Navy in 1970 where he graduated from the US Naval Communication School in San Diego, California. In 1976, Jan graduated from Florida State University with a degree in Business Administration. While there, he was elected to the Student Government as the Vice President of the Student Body. It was during his time at FSU where he honed 2 of his passions, politics and the Noles. He remained an active Seminole Booster and devoted fan. He served 2 years as a staff photographer for the Tallahassee Democrat. He retired after many years of service to the State of Florida.

Jan loved all things outdoors and in nature. He enjoyed everything from bird watching to his award winning wildlife photography and anything related to fishing. He directed his passions into service through many channels. He was engaged in the Apalachicola Watershed Project and as a member of the Federation of Fly Fishers. He was an active member of the Board of Directors for St. Vincent Wildlife Refuge where he did everything from conservation activities to providing briefings on the history of the island. He was also a member of the American Legion and served as Secretary for the Polish Heritage Society in Tallahassee.

Jan loved life and loved people. He has been a member of First Baptist Church since childhood and he always maintained a strong faith which he imparted to his children. He had an affinity for making friends and maintaining a close network of friends throughout the years and he loved to show his affections through cooking. He was a self-made connoisseur of the bar-b-que pit and enjoyed any opportunity to cook for others.

To cherish his memories, he leaves his mother, Lois Mathis Pietrzyk; daughters, Alison Pietrzyk (Billy) Courtenay, Laura Pietrzyk (Jared) McKee with granddaughter Emmerson; sister, Nancee (Brad) Suber; nephews, Shane Suber, and Noah Suber. He was preceded by his father, John Thaddeus Pietrzyk.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the St. Vincent Wildlife Refuge, care of Audrey Schmidt, 219 Avenue E, Apalachicola, Florida 32320.

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