Obituary of Edward F. Pekola

Edward F. Pekola Vernon-Edward F. Pekola, age 98, formerly of State Rt. 26 and more recently of the Scholl Bell Apartments passed away early Thursday morning March 26, 2015 in the Oneida Healthcare Extended Care Facility with his loving family at his side. He was born on January 26, 1917 in Bayonne, New Jersey a son of the late Walter and Frances (Sordyl) Pekola and was a graduate of Verona High School. During WW II Ed proudly served his country with the United States Army in the African and European Theatres where he received the Purple Heart and Silver Star. On September 22, 1946 Ed and Jessie Plona were united in marriage in Holy Trinity Church of Utica and shared that loving union until Mrs. Pekola's death on August 28, 2001. Prior to his retirement in 1978 Ed was employed for over forty years as a machine operator with Rome Cable. He was a member of Holy Family Church of Vernon and the D.A.V. Ed was a pleasant gentleman who was always know for being "tip top". Surviving are his two children and their spouses, James (Karen) Pekola of Sherrill and Barbara (William) Southwick of Vernon, four grandchildren, Justin Southwick of Brentwood, TN, Kelly (Mark) Valente of Greer SC, Shawn (Don) Carver of Sherrill, and Robin (Chris) Ropetski of Canastota, six great-grandchildren, Jack, Jake and Sara Valente and Max and Brady Carver, and Ryan Ropetski; one sister Mary Draper of Port Republic, MD and numerous nieces and nephews. Ed was predeceased by his wife, one sister Frances Murphy, four brothers Stephen, Joseph, Chester and Henry Pekola. The family would like to thank all the doctors, nurses and aides at the Oneida Healthcare Facility and the Extended Care Facility for their kindness and care he received. Family and friends are invited to call on Sunday March 29, 2015 from m 4:00 to 7: 00 p.m. at the Malecki Funeral Home Inc., 23 Front Street, Vernon. A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday at 10:30 a.m. in Holy Family Church, Peterboro Street, Vernon with Rev. William Mesmer and Retired Lt. Col. Rev. Paul Madej co-officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in Hoy Trinity Cemetery, Yorkville, New York. In lieu of flowers please send donations in Ed's memory to the Rescue Mission of Utica, 212 Rutger Street, Utica, New York, 13501. Online condolences may be sent to maleckifuneralhome.com