Obituary of Richard M. Pedro

Richard M. Pedro, 87, of Owego, passed away Friday, January 10, 2014. Richard was predeceased by his parents, Michael and Florence Pedro; brother and sister-in-law, Charles and Jean Pedro, sister and brother-in-law, Arlene and Donald Whitney; brother-in-law, John Salata. Dick is survived by his loving wife, Jeanne M. Pedro, with whom he shared an endless love and commitment with for almost 61 years; daughter, Debra A. Hackett; son, Richard JM Pedro; seven beautiful grandchildren, Jacquelyn M. , Nicole L., Taylor A. and James B. Hackett, John M., Richard D., and Christopher M. Pedro; sister-in-law, Darlene Salata; several nieces and nephews. Richard M. Pedro served during World War II in the United States Navy from May 24, 1944 until October 30, 1947 which included 22 months sea duty aboard the USS Weiss and was honorably discharged. Upon his discharge from the United States Navy Richard joined The American Legion and Tioga Post #401 in Owego and has been an active member for sixty-five continuous years and was honored with an Honorary Life Membership in 1964. Over those 65 years, Dick, served in numerous positions with The American Legion at the local, state, and national levels. Throughout his life, Dick, has remained true to the goals and ideals of the Preamble to The American Legion Constitution by his service to God and country and devotion to mutual helpfulness by service. Dick retired from IBM after 33 years of service. He served his community as Communicant and Lay-lector of St. Patrick’s Church, Owego, NY; member of the Tioga County Historical Society; life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars; Life member of the Elks Lodge #1039; President of the Tioga County Christmas League; member and Past Board President of the New York State Veterans’ Home in Oxford, NY. In July of 2013, he decided to retire from the day to day activities as Department Adjutant, American Legion, Department of New York to spend more time with his family. The best Husband, Father and Grandfather (Grampi) anyone could ever hope to have. We will miss him dearly. The family would like express their appreciation to Dr. Haridas Varma and all of Cardiology Associates. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, January 16, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Church, 300 Main St., Owego, NY with the Rev. William Moorby, officiating. Burial will follow in the Parish cemetery with full military honors. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Estey, Munroe & Fahey Funeral home, 15 Park St., Owego. In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Richard M. Pedro’s memory to the National Emergency Fund (NEF), C/O The American Legion, P.O. Box 1055, Indianapolis, IN 46206 and/or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Condolences may be made to the Pedro family at www.emfaheyfuneralhome.com