Paul Samuel Peyakovich

Paul S. Peyakovich

Paul S. Peyakovich, 81, of Hampden Township, Cumberland County, PA a devoted husband, father, grandfather and brother, peacefully passed away surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, May 1, 2021 at UPMC Hospital, West Shore in Mechanicsburg PA.

Born February 15, 1940, he was the son of the late Samuel and Danita Peyakovich of Llewellyn, PA.

Paul was a 1957 graduate of Minersville High School and received a degree in biology and chemistry from Susquehanna University in 1964 where he was a member of Phi Mu Delta Fraternity.  After graduation, he served in the U.S. Army where he was assigned to the Dermatology Research Section of the Medical Research and Development Service, Letterman General Hospital, San Francisco, California. While there he co-authored four scientific publications.  Upon discharge from the Army, he went on to serve thirty-five years in the pharmaceutical industry in various positions of increasing responsibility in domestic and international sales and marketing.  As an international product manager with Merck & Co., Paul had world-wide responsibility for marketing antibiotics, AIDS, and cancer products. He also managed Merck’s Mectizan donation program where he worked closely with the World Health Organization, a panel of world renowned tropical disease experts and the Ministers of Health of various African countries in an effort to eradicate Onchocerciasis, a parasitic disease which causes blindness. The program has successfully administered the medication to millions of Africans at risk of acquiring the disease and will continue for as long as the disease is in existence.  While in Merck’s domestic division he held the positions of Manpower Development Coordinator, Manager of Sales Training, District Manager and Associate Director of Sales Research. His responsibilities in Sales Research included analysis of markets, assessment of opportunities within markets, assessment of manpower needs, sales force size, configuration and product responsibilities within each sales group. He also developed, trained and managed a team of Long Term Care National Account Executives.  Paul spent his last years with Merck as an Executive Business Manager managing sales teams in North and South Central Pennsylvania.  His retirement from Merck & Co. in December of 2003 ended a very rich and rewarding career.

Paul was an avid hunter and fisherman, excellent marksman, a member of the National Rifle Association and the National Rifle Association Institute for Legislative Action. He also enjoyed traveling and particularly loved the wilderness of Alaska. In his retirement Paul designed and made furniture as a hobby. His greatest joy was spending time with his family, both immediate and extended. His beloved wife Betty, son Kurt, daughter Kristi and her husband John – and his wonderful granddaughters Bridget Anne and Kara Grace.

Surviving are his wife of 52 years, Elizabeth Mackie Peyakovich, son Kurt of Corning NY, daughter Kristi Castano her husband John and their daughters Bridget Anne Castano and Kara Grace Castano of Caldwell, N.J., his brother Stan Peyakovich and his wife Mary Lee of Orwigsburg, PA., his sister-in-law Linda Koerper Peyakovich of Pottsville, PA, niece Danielle McNichol, her husband John and daughter Samantha of Glen Mills, PA, niece Tanya Martin, her husband Chris and their children Zach, Taylor and Shane of Orwigsburg, PA, niece Nicole Lesher and her children Jake and Stone of Schuylkill Haven, PA., brother-in-law Craig Mackie and his wife Serena of Largo, FL, and niece Denine Mackie of Largo, FL.

There will be a private memorial service in May, by invitation only due to COVID restrictions. At Paul’s request there will be no viewing or visitation.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to: St Jude Children’s Research Hospital 506 St Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105.

Paul’s family has entrusted his care to Buhrig Funeral Home & Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Paul’s full obituary, view his photograph, offer condolences and sympathy, share stories and memories, upload photographs and videos, light a candle and sign his official guest book by visiting Buhrig.com.