Peter Gergel

YOUNGSTOWN - Peter Gergel, 94, passed away peacefully early Wednesday morning, Oct. 24, 2018, at Hospice House after a long and fulfilling life.

Peter was born June 2, 1924, in Henrietta, Okla., a son of the late Michael and Katherine Yaslik Gergel, and came to this area with his family as a child.

Pete was a graduate of Chaney High School and was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army Air Corps, serving during World War II.

He worked for Republic Steel / Truscon Steel for over 30 years, retiring in the mid-1980s.

Mr. Gergel was a member of Holy Trinity Ukrainian Catholic Church in Youngstown.

Pete was an avid fan of all Ohio sports teams. A kind and fatherly man, Pete was affectionately considered by many of his co-workers and friends of his children as a mentor and “second dad.”

Pete leaves his beloved wife of 65 years, Patricia A. Preksta Gergel, whom he married Oct. 10, 1953; two sons, Gregory P. (Michelle) Gergel of Orlando, Fla. and Douglas E. (Juli) Gergel of Troy, Mich.; a daughter, Patricia L. Gergel (David Gilman) of Jersey City; two grandchildren, Lindsey and Zachary; two brothers-in-law, John and Ronald Preksta; a sister-in-law, Dolores Shorokey Brunetti; and many nieces and nephews.

Pete will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Five brothers, John, Steve, Nicholas, Charles, and Michael Gergel, and two sisters, Mary Fermendzin and Agnes Hanisko, are deceased.

Family and friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m., Friday, Oct 26, at Kinnick Funeral Home, 477 N. Meridian Road, Youngstown.

Funeral services will take place at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 27, at the funeral home, followed by a committal service with military honors at Calvary Cemetery in Youngstown.

Pete’s family thanks Dr. Tom Traikoff for the kindness shown and care given to Mr. Gergel during the past few years.

Pete’s family asks those wishing to make a memorial donation, do so to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, or to Shriner’s Hospital for Children, in c/o his family.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.