Joseph F. Pajak died on Thursday, October 31, 2019 at his residence. He was eighty-eight years of age. Born in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late Frank and Stephie Pajak. He was a lifelong resident of the City.
Mr. Pajak was a retired longtime employee of the Philadelphia Department of Streets, Fourth Highway Division. He had previously worked at Philadelphia Parking Authority, Midvale Steel Works and Gimbels Department Store. Joseph was a graduate of North Catholic High School, Class of 1950. He was an Army veteran of the Korean War, serving as a combat engineer. Joseph was an active member of the American Legion for 66 years, most recently with Continental Post No 263. He served as the treasurer and most recently the recording secretary of the Pulaski Beneficial Association.
From his return from Korea until the church’s closing, he was an active member of St. Ladislaus Parish. Joseph was a member of numerous societies and longtime church usher. He was an active volunteer at all church events.
From his time working on the road repair crews and as a parking meter repair technician, Joseph gained an intimate knowledge of the streets of Philadelphia. He would often be giving directions, placing you on one back street after another, bypassing traffic and in later years, taking great joy in beating the GPS in finding the quickest route.
He loved animals, especially dogs. His face would light up when he spoke of his last dog, Pepper. At Christmas, he always made sure he had a new toy for his family’s four legged members. He was an avid baseball fan and loved his Phillies. Joseph was an excellent accordion player and had a lifelong love of music.
Family was everything to him. He never missed sending a card along with a religious medal, holy card or pack of seeds to remember everyone’s birthday, feast day or holiday. If he could not be there in person, at dinnertime, you always expected his call.
Joseph was the beloved brother of John (the late Patty) Pajak and Helen (the late Ted) Sienkiewicz. He is also survived by nieces and nephews, Michael, Stephanie (Dan), Teresa, Joan, Paul (Ronnie), Catherine and Peter and great niece Taylor along with her brother, Chris and sister, Jessie.
Relatives and friends are invited to call from 10 to 11 AM on Tuesday, November 5, 2019 at St. Albert the Great Church, 212 Welsh Road, Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 AM. Interment will be in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to veterans’ charity of your choice, in his name.
