Nicholas "Nick" Pestrock

Nicholas “Nick” Pestrock

Service to God & Country -

Nicholas “Nick” Pestrock, age 88, of Hershey , PA, died peacefully at home and surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, June 4, 2014.  Nick was born on Monday, September 7, 1925 in Coaldale, PA to the late Andrew Pestrock and Mary (Romanick) Pestrock.  In addition to his parents, Nick is preceded in death by his brother, John Pestrock, and his three sisters: Eva Pestrock, Helen McCullian, and Anna Pestrock.

Nick’s survivors include his wife of 59 years, Pauline Josephine (Slakoper) Pestrock; his three daughters: JoAnn Pantages and her husband Paul of Pittsburgh, Patricia “Patty Ann” Cline of Hummelstown, Natalie Murphy of Palmyra; his six grandchildren: Dean Pantages, Christa Pantages, Alex Pantages, Rachel Cline, Janelle Cline, and Thomas Murphy; and his sister, Mary Hedash of Lansdale.

Nick graduated from Lansford High School as part of the class of 1943 where he played football.  He was a proud U.S. Navy Veteran who served during World War II on the USS Leedstown (APA-56) , an attack transport which took part in the invasions of the Marshall Islands, Guam, Pelelius, Leyte, Luzon and Iwo Jima.  Following his military service, he moved to Hershey in the late 1950s and worked at Olmsted Air Force Base and then the New Cumberland Army Depot .  After retiring, Nick began a second career at the Milton S. Hershey School where he remained employed until just before his death.  Nick enjoyed his memberships in American Legion and the VFW .  He was a beloved member of the community and could be frequently found at Christ the Saviour Orthodox Church where he was a member for over 50 years and involved in the church choir, the ‘O’ Club, and Bible study classes.

All are welcome to join Nick’s family at his viewing on Monday, June 9, 2014, from 3:00 p.m. until time of Panakhida at 7:00 p.m. at Hoover Funeral Home & Crematory of Hershey , Route 422 & Lucy Avenue, Hershey, PA 17033; and to his funeral service on Tuesday, June 10, 2014, at 10:30 a.m. at Christ the Saviour Orthodox Church , 5501 Old Locust Lane, Harrisburg, PA 17109; with Fr. Stephen Vernak and Fr. Daniel Ressetar celebrating. Burial will follow in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery in Annville, PA, where full military honors will be presented.  Honored to be pallbearers are Nick’s six grandchildren: Dean Pantages, Christa Pantages, Alex Pantages, Rachel Cline, Janelle Cline, and Thomas Murphy.  Nick’s family invites everyone to join them for a time of food and fellowship immediately following the burial in the John Henry Room at Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course , 777 Hollywood Boulevard, Grantville, PA 17028, where Nick enjoyed the ponies.

The family suggests memorial contributions to Wounded Warrior Project , P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675; or his church , Christ the Saviour Orthodox Church , 5501 Old Locust Lane, Harrisburg, Pa 17109 .

Nick’s family has entrusted his care to Myers–Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Nick’s full obituary, view his memorial video and portrait, and sign his official guest book at www.Myers-Buhrig.com .