John D. Pekar
Dilliner
John D. “JD” Pekar, 74, of Dilliner, passed away Wednesday, September 16, 2026. He was born June 3, 1952 in Waynesburg, the son of the late John J. and Mary Jane Minor Pekar.
JD was a retired oal miner and voreman for Emerald Mine and was a member of the Emerald Mine rescue team and also was the team’s trainer.
He graduated from Mapletown High School, Class of 1970, and Penn State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Education, Class of 1974.
He had served as the president of the Bituminous Mine Safety Association.
JD was an avid hunter and fisherman and enjoyed spending time at his hunting cabin in Elk County.
He was a member of Saint Matthias Parish of Greene County, a member of Point Marion Eagles Club, and the Bobtown Polish Club.
JD had coached midget football teams for over 20 years, and played softball in different leagues for over 50 years.
JD had continued the Pekar family tradition of meat processing with his latest specialty of deer bologna. JD’s family was his greatest pride and joy.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Richard J. Pekar.
He is survived by his wife, Jill Cratty Pekar, whom he married June 5, 1976; they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this year. He is also survived by two daughters, Kristi Howard and husband Robert of Garards Fort, and Jessica Inch and husband Chad of Chesterfield, Va.; four grandchildren, Brittney Howard, Levi Howard and fiancee Jasmyn, Joshua Howard and fiancee Jenna, Emily Inch; great-granddaughter, Lyla Howard; brother, Michael and wife Rita Pekar of Amhurst, Va.; sister-in-law, Brenda Pekar; and several nieces and nephews.
Friends will be received in the LOUIS E. RUDOLPH FUNERAL HOME, Point Marion, Thomas B. Rudolph, funeral director and supervisor, Monday, September 21, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., and Tuesday, September 22, until 10:30 a.m., when brief prayers will be said followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in Saint Ignatious Roman Catholic Church of Bobtown at 11 a.m. Interment will follow in Monongahela Hill Cemetery, Greensboro.