Joseph Francis Pecyna was born to life in Glassport, PA on January 20, 1929, to the late Joseph and Kazmiera (Lewandowska) Pecyna. He was called home by our Lord on August 31, 2023. Joe was a beloved and devoted son, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is now reunited in eternity with his wife, Frances Mae (nee Costa), who he lovingly called “the best thing that ever happened to me.” They are now skate dancing hand in hand at the Heavenly roller rink. Joe also was preceded in death by his loving sons Joseph and John and his brothers John, Edward, Sylvan, Theodore, and Anthony, and sisters Regina Markiewicz, Marie Jasenak, Lorraine Loren, and Bernadette Armocida.
Joe lived the first 92 years of his admirable life in Pittsburgh, PA. He proudly served his country in WWII in the U.S. Navy Seabees, earning his high school diploma after completing his military service. He met and fell in love with his “sweetie pie,” Franny, at the Flamingo Roller Rink in East Liberty. They married in 1952 and raised two sons (Joseph and John) and a daughter (Paula) together. Joe was a dedicated and loving family man who took pride in every member of his family.
Joe’s love for his family ran strong and deep. He shared how proud he was of his children and grandchildren (who lovingly called him Pap), often bragging about and hailing them for their accomplishments. He treasured spending time with family and any opportunity to “hold court” to share his pearls of wisdom and witticisms that offered important life lessons (“The only difference between a bad haircut and a good haircut is 3 days.” “A smile and a kind word will open doors for you.” “You can catch more flies with honey than you can with vinegar.”). Joe cherished all moments with his grandchildren, whether it was a matinee of The Nutcracker or A Christmas Carol, a round of mini-golf, or dinner at the Olive Garden. Becoming a great-grandfather brought him special joy. Joe showed that a loving family isn't just defined by blood but by the bonds of shared experiences, mutual support, and unwavering love. He was always quick to offer a helping hand and his handiwork to friends and neighbors.
In 2021, Joe began a new chapter of his life, moving to a senior community to be near his daughter, Paula, in Milwaukee, WI. He quickly became a beloved figure, charming everyone he met with his gentleness, warmth, and kindness. From the minute he announced to others in the community, “I’m Joe and I’m from Pittsburgh!” he was a cherished figure, someone whose presence could turn any occasion into a celebration.
As a man of strong faith, Joe found solace and guidance in his Catholic upbringing. He was a devoted member of Assumption parish in Bellevue, PA and later at Three Holy Women parish in Milwaukee, WI. He was an active and proud participant in the Knights of Columbus. His life was a living example of his faith, and he spread warmth and kindness wherever he went. He spent many evenings as an engaging bingo caller for the Knights of Columbus, brightening the lives of those around him, even when the bingo players yelled, “Shake ‘em up!”
Joe was famously known for decades as “The Plasterer” throughout Avalon and surrounding boroughs in the Pittsburgh area. On a drive with Joe through Pittsburgh, he frequently would point to houses and tell his passengers, “I plastered in that house” along with stories about the jobs and the families in the houses. Joe was proud of being a self-made man in many ways, as a boy growing up in the Great Depression and finding jobs (selling newspapers on street corners, busing tables at restaurants) that would allow him to help support his mother and younger siblings, through his military service, his business success, and his success as a self-taught investor after his retirement. Dancing was one of his passions, whether skate dancing at the roller rink, polka dancing at special occasions, and senior dances. His quick wit and dry sense of humor kept everyone on their toes. He believed strongly in the importance of a positive attitude.
Joe’s wisdom extended to the value of education, a gift he sought for himself, his children, and his grandchildren. His pursuit of knowledge was a testament to his determination to overcome obstacles and better himself and his family. His legacy of learning continues to ripple through generations, a testament to his belief in the power of knowledge.
Joe is survived by his loving and grateful daughter, Paula Rhyner (Mark) of Milwaukee, WI, daughter-in-law Linda Pecyna (the late John) of Pittsburgh, PA, grandchildren Jessica Murtha (Dan) of Pittsburgh, PA, Justin Pecyna of Pittsburgh, PA, Hannah Pecyna (Glenn DeAngelis) of Pittsburgh, PA, Tyler Pecyna (Cass Martin) of Pittsburgh, PA, Luke Rhyner of Denver, CO, Emma Rhyner of Chicago, IL, and step-granddaughter Casey Rhyner Cantwell (Jonathan) of Milwaukee, WI. Also survived by great-grandchildren, step great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and countless friends.
We are grateful to the each of the caregivers and staff members at St. Rita Square in Milwaukee, WI, and the team from Legacy Hospice in Elm Grove, WI, for the loving and compassionate care that they provided to Joe and his family in each step of his journey. We also wish to extend our gratitude to the Very Reverand Tim Kitzke, pastor of Three Holy Women Parish in Milwaukee, WI, for the special weekly visits, prayers, and spiritual guidance that he provided to Joe during his time at St. Rita Square.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, 4:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. at the H.P. Brandt Funeral Home, 1032 Perry Hwy. A mass of Christian burial will be held on Wednesday, September 13, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at the Church of the Assumption, 45 N. Sprague Ave Bellevue PA 15202. Burial with Full Military Honors will follow at Christ Our Redeemer Cemetery. A memorial mass for Joe will be held at St. Rita Church in Milwaukee, WI at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Knights of Columbus.
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