Jack L. Pessina

Born on Jan 12, 1932, in St. Louis to Joseph and Rose Pessina, he was baptized at St. Ambrose Catholic Church in “The Hill” neighborhood of St. Louis, where he lived with his parents until the mid-forties before moving to the nearby “Dogtown” neighborhood where he spent the balance of his life in his family home.

He was raised with a deep and abiding Catholic faith that would guide him throughout his life. A faithful parishioner of St. James the Greater for many years, and later St. John the Beloved, he was a familiar presence in the front row at Sunday Mass. Jack held a particular devotion to the Blessed Mother and found great comfort in the familiarity and rhythms of the liturgical year.

Those who knew him remember Jack’s passion for understanding the weather, listening to country music, and following the St. Louis Cardinals through every winning and losing season. He thrived in routine and his favorite activities were riding with Choko in long car rides into the countryside and enjoying a meal at his favorite restaurants, especially Pietro’s and Hodak’s, where the staff always sat him at his favorite table.

Jack held a deep love for his family, and had especially tight bonds with his mom, his Mama Lina(his best friend), and his cousin Vera. Among those bonds, none was more tightly woven than the one Jack shared with his brother, Robert Pessina. Through every chapter of life, they were each other's constant, and Robert was a steadfast protector and provider for Jack. Jack was especially loved by his dedicated caregiver Choko Gergana who was devoted to Jack for the past 28 years of his life. The family wishes to offer their most heartfelt gratitude to Choko, whose compassionate care was nothing short of a gift from God.

Jack Pessina is survived by his brother, Robert Pessina (Anne), nephew, Michael Pessina (Myra), niece Amy Williams (Jason), as well as great-nephews and great-nieces. He will be deeply missed by all whose lives he touched.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph G. Pessina, Rose C. Pessina (nee Cerutti); his paternal grandparents, Giacomo J. Pessina and Carolina L. Pessina (“Mama Lina”, nee Oldani); and his maternal grandparents, Ernesto Cerutti and Columba Cerutti (nee Chiodini); and many uncles, aunts, and cousins who will also greet him in Heaven.

A Memorial Visitation will be held at Hoffmeister Colonial Mortuary, 6464 Chippewa Street 63109 on Saturday, March 28, from 9-10am, with the Memorial Service commencing at 10am. A Rite of Committal will follow at the chapel at Resurrection Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The United Cerebral Palsy Association (UCP Heartland, St. Louis.https://ucpheartland.org/)

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen