Dr. Robert F. Pacek

Dr. Robert F. Pacek, 88, of Natrona Heights, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 30, 2023 in Allegheny Valley Hospital, Natrona Heights. He was born May 24, 1935, in West Tarentum to the late John and Anna (Gazo) Pacek Sr. Robert attended St. Clement Elementary School and was a 1953 graduate of East Deer High School. He was also a 1957 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh and a 1963 graduate of the Pitt Medical School. After he interned at South Side Hospital, Robert married the love of his life, Joyce Donatell, in 1964. They spent their first year at Fort Hood Texas. Captain Robert Pacek served his country in the US Army as a Medical Officer in Qui Nhon, Vietnam from 1965-1966 . Upon returning home , he served the Alle-Kiski community for 38 years at Valley Family Practice in Tarentum and Allegheny Valley Hospital, Natrona Heights where he was the former president of the Hospital Staff; president for both the Armstrong County Medical Society and the Tri County Medical Society. He currently was serving as a board member of the Alle-Kiski Medical Center Trust. Robert was a member of Guardian Angels Parish, Natrona Heights Campus, and was led by his Catholic faith in all aspects of his life . He was proud of his Slovak heritage, having visited his parents’ hometown and other parts of Slovakia. He spoke the language fluently and used this skill to treat Eastern European patients early in his practice . During his outstanding medical career, Dr. Pacek delivered many babies at AVH and cared for their entire families. Robert and Joyce journeyed extensively visiting countries in Asia, Europe, South America and Africa. In the US, his love of history brought him to many national parks and historical sites. Home and garden were his enjoyment, where many of his retired hours were spent. Robert is survived by his loving wife of 59 years Joyce (Donatell) Pacek, children Karen Beisler, of Millersville, MD and children Zachary, Jackson, Christian, Benjamin and Mary Joyce Beisler; Scott Pacek of Westmoreland County and children Sarah and Hunter Pacek ; Dr. Jennifer DiRocco, of O'Hara Township and children Emma and Lucy DiRocco and by his many nieces and nephews. He will be missed by his faithful black cat “Blackie”. Survived also by in-laws James and Marta Karwoski of Beaver. In addition to his parents, Robert was preceded in death by his brothers,  Dr. John Pacek Jr. and Edward Pacek.

Friends will be received on Saturday from 6-8 p.m. and on Sunday from 2-4, 6-8 p.m. in the Cicholski-Zidek Funeral Home, Inc., 1522 Carlisle Street, Natrona Heights 724-224-8688, where a parting prayer service will be held on Monday at 11:30 a.m.  Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 12 Noon in Most Blessed Sacrament Campus with the Rev. Andrew Fischer as celebrant.  Burial with full military honors accorded by the Vandergrift Veterans Honor Guard will follow in Our Lady of Hope Cemetery, Frazer Township.  Contributions in memory of Robert may be made to Guardian Angels Parish, 1526 Union Avenue, Natrona Heights, Pa.  15065 or to St. Joseph High School, 800 Montana Avenue, Natrona Heights, Pa.  15065.  To send an online condolence please visit www.cicholski-zidekfh.com.