Henry "Hank" Pelz

Henry “Hank” Pelz passed away peacefully on April 7, 2021 at home in Jacksonville, Florida, after being diagnosed with Leukemia only two weeks prior. His loving wife Julie was by his side as he took his last breath.

Hank was born in Chicago, Illinois on July 12, 1934 to parents Sebastian and Florence Pelz. He raised two sons, Vincent and Stan. Vince passed away in 2007 at age 41.

Hank is survived by: his son, Stan who lives in Longwood, FL with his wife Jennifer and 17 year old son, Nathan; his wife Julie Franciskato, and her beautiful family of daughters Cris Pecko, Terri Miller, Mia Sorrells, and her son Tony Franciskato , their husbands, wife, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Hank joined the US Navy at age 17 hoping to help our country with the Korean conflict, and retired from the military after 26 years of dedicated service. Following retirement from the Navy, he worked in civil service for 10 years, and then started his own business in transportation.

Hank was a dedicated servant of the Catholic church, attending mass on a daily basis and sharing his time among Assumption, Christ the King, and Resurrection parishes.He was a Eucharistic Minister, lector and money counter at Christ the King. Hank was an avid square dancer for over 45 years which allowed him to foster numerous friendships and also meet his wife Julie. He was a member of the American Legion and Fleet Reserve Association where he held several leadership roles. He was active in the Knights of Columbus, volunteered for many years at Memorial Hospital, and was a happy camper with the Good Sams Club.

The viewing is scheduled for Sunday, April 11 from 3pm-4pm at Corey-Kerlin Funeral Home, 940 Cesery Blvd, Jacksonville, FL, with a rosary to follow from 4pm-5pm. The funeral mass will be held on Monday April 12 at 10:30 AM, at Christ the King Catholic Church (742 Arlington Rd N, Jacksonville, FL 32211), with burial to follow at Greenlawn cemetery (4300 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32207) . Celebration of Life at American Legion Hall on Ft. Caroline Rd. from 2pm-4pm on Monday.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Christ the King Church, Community Hospice or Pro Life Organizations.