Joseph Thaddeus Pyrdek
March 4, 1947 ~ January 18, 2023
Born in: Chicago, Illinios
Joseph Thaddeus Pyrdek, 75, of Conneaut Lake, passed away unexpectedly, Wednesday, January 18, 2023 at his home. He was born March 4, 1947 in Chicago, Illinois, the son of the late Thaddeus and Helen Walczak Pyrdek. He married the love of his life, Rita V. Banic, July 3, 1982; she survives.
Joseph was a graduate of Cathedral Prep Class of 1964 and attended Gannon, Penn State Behrend and Edinboro University. There he received various electronics and radio licenses and training on radar systems. He was on the leading edge of implementing communication technology and frequently taught himself to utilize these tools before they were mainstream. Joseph was a Veteran of the United States Air Force (1965-1968) serving as AC&W Radar Maintenance Technician at Keesler AFB (MI), Chanute AFB (IL), and Hofn, Iceland-20 miles from the Arctic Circle.
He was employed at Edinboro University (1985-2013) in Information Technology and previously at WQLN-TV-FM(1975-1985), WERC Inc. (1973-1975), WJET (1970-1972) and RCA Service Co. (1968-1970).
In addition to being an avid lover of technology, Joseph was also passionate about his faith, the outdoors/ hunting, and enjoyed sharing his love and knowledge with his friends and family. He was an active member of Saint Agatha Roman Catholic Church. He was a Hunting Education Instructor and received the Outstanding Instructor Award for his services. In his retirement, he enjoyed volunteering with many organizations, in roles such as secretary/treasurer of Erie-Crawford Trap League, and Secretary of Lake & Valley Trap League and was an NRA Eddie Eagle Instructor for many years. He was part of several programs for therapy dogs with his beloved dog, Parker.
In addition to his loving wife, Rita, left to cherish his memory are his four daughters; Maria Pyrdek and husband Nicolas Sohl (Monrovia, CA), Jacquelyn Woodward and husband Stephen (Pittsburgh, PA), Katie Pyrdek-DeFranc and husband Jeffrey (Waterford, PA), and Dorothy Pyrdek (Spokane, WA), along with 2 grandchildren; Gabriel (8) and Nathaniel Woodward (Feb 2023). He was preceded in death by his parents; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Family and friends are welcome to call on Friday, January 20th at 3pm-7pm at Ryan M. Warren Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 544 Chestnut Street, Meadville.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, January 21st, 12pm at The Epiphany of The Lord Parish, Saint Agatha Roman Catholic Church, 353 Pine Street, Meadville, with Father Joe Petrone, as celebrant.
Memorial contributions in Joseph's memory may be made to Hunt of a Lifetime, Seton School in Meadville, The Fisher House Foundation, or NRA Eddie Eagle.
Please take a moment to share a memory or condolence with the family in Joseph's Book of Memories online at www.WarrenFH.com.
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Q: What 3 words best describe Joseph and why?
A: True Christian Example, always smiling and ready to help. eternal memory! with sympathy, Don/Mary
To the Pyrdek family. The officers and veteran members of The American Legion 29th. District, offer our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Sincere condolences to the Pyrdek family. Joe was a man of great intellect and character. He placed immense value on family, nature, and knowledge. He will be forever appreciated and missed.
We are so very sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. We were classmates many years ago at Cathedral Prep and I recall that Joe was a wonderful easy going guy. Joe and his entire family are in our prayers! Cathy and Pat Kloecker
Joe was one of my first friends and one of my best friends during our pre-school years on E. 14th Street in Erie PA. At age 6, my family moved to another neighborhood, nearby, but Joe and I and all the other Polish kids attended St. Stan’s together. And then, he and I and several other guys from St. Stan’s went on to Cathedral Prep, where we graduated in 1964.
As happens to so many of us, we lost touch after that. It’s clear from the photos and the video and the other remembrances, that Joe lived a full, happy, loving life, with all of the adventures and accomplishments I’m sure he dreamed of.
My heartfelt thoughts and wishes go to those who loved him, shared his life, and will miss him going forward.
We were little kids, young boys, and teens together. Full of life and fun. Happy and hopeful. I will always remember him that way.
Andy Juniewicz
Lakewood OH
To the Pyrdek family. The officers and veteran members of The American Legion 29th. District, offer our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time of loss.
I will always remember you Joe and your cheerful smile and greetings with your dog at the library.
Save a place for me and my dog at the pearly gate..
My condolences to the family. I have only known Joe for about the past decade or so via the yearly “Dottyville Deer Stag”. It was always good to see him there. Sharing and comparing the firearms, cupcakes and “caviar”. Not to mention his sometimes questionable choice of beer for the annual event. He will be missed.
Craig Gottschling
My sincere sympathy to the Pyrdek family as you enter the roller-coaster of emotions of this first year without your dad. A cherished memory I have of your dad is him bringing 2 third grade little girls from Seton School to attend their teacher’s wedding at St. Cyprian’s 25 years ago. Such a sweet and profound gesture! Your new angel will show you signs he is with you.
Love,
Maureen Landy (Miss O’Connell)
Rita, girls, and family, I was saddened when I read about Joe’s passing. I remember him as being knowledgeable and talkative, yet humorous and entertaining. He cared about “his girls,” and he was very proud of each of you, and your accomplishments over the years. May your strong faith, and your deep love, give you peace and comfort as you grieve, and may God hold each of you in the palm of his hand. Love and hugs, Mrs. (Pat) Schutz