Albert J. Pestotnik

Albert J. (Big Al) Pestotnik passed away at Govenor’s Village on January 12, 2018 at the age of 90 surrounded by his loving family. Albert was cared for, in addition, by Harbor Light Hospice. Beloved husband for 56 years of the late Veronica (nee Avsec); loving father of Debra, Donna Troy (husband Thomas), Allan (wife Kathy) and Tom (wife Laura); Al was the beloved second son of John Sr. and Mary Pestotnik (deceased); devoted grandfather of Marie Miller (husband Dan), Erika, Allan (wife Kelly), Brian, Matthew (fiancé Amanda Morrow), Benjamin Troy, Brent, MacKenzie and great-grandfather of Danny, MyKayla, Mallori, and Kayleigh; dearest brother of Lillian Dolenc (husband Matthew) and the late John (wife Beatrice); treasured brother-in-law of Bogdan and Joan Avsec, CarolAnn and Paul Janc; dear uncle and great-uncle of many. U.S. Army-Air Corp Veteran.

Al was born on April 7, 1927 in a Slovenian community in Cleveland, Ohio. Al attended Hodge Elementary, Empire and East Tech High Schools, graduating from an accelerated program in 1944, during war years and was drafted into the United States Air Force. He was stationed at Keesler Field, Mississippi and Sheppard Field in Texas. Al was in finance, M.P.’s Air Rescue Squadron. Al served one and a half years active duty and 5 years active reserves. Al was accepted for officer’s candidate school and meteorology school. Al was honorably discharged at war’s end.

Al worked for Cleveland Saw, Burt’s Department Store, Federal Reserve Bank and TAPCO. During this time, Al had an interest in police work and took tests for the cities of Cleveland, East Cleveland, Bratenahl and Euclid. As a result of eye problems, Al was unable to fulfill his dreams. Al then changed his vocation and went to work for the Cleveland Board of Education as a painter, sand, acid, steam blaster in the removal of graffiti on interior and exterior of buildings for over 35 years and retired in December 1989. Al went into the construction business as a painter, carpenter contractor with his two sons. Pestotnik Construction remodeled and built homes in Cleveland, Euclid, Willowick, Wickliffe, Highland Heights, and Lyndhurst.

Al was active in politics working on campaign’s for Lausche, Voinovich, Eckart, McCormack, Trenton, Sustar, Sustarsic and Giunta. Al was also active in the Slovenian community in Cleveland, Collinwood and Euclid areas. He was on the Board of Directors of the Slovenian Society Home and Slovene Home for the Aged for a number of years.

Al belonged to S.N.P.J, K.S.K.J, A.M.L.A., Painter’s Local #765 (60 years), Holmes Avenue Pensioneers, St. Mary’s Pensioneers, United Slovenian Society (U.S.S) charter member, Polka Hall of Fame, charter member, Tony Petkovsek Radion Club (43 years). Al supported the E. 185th Street Festival for over 26 years, and served as parade marshal for Waterloo, St. Clair, Holmes Avenue and E. 185th Street festivals. He assisted fund raisers for the Polka Hall of Fame and yearly Tony Petkovsek Thanksgiving dances. Al, along with friends Steve Valencic, Adolph Rupe and Frank Sterle (Sterle’s Slovenian Country House), was the personal security driver for Slovenian musicians coming to Cleveland, Pennsylvania or Canada to perform. Some of these musicians include Slak, Dozan, Brico, Plansere, Avsenik and many more. Al was installed in the Polka Hall of Fame as Trustee’s Honor Roll Nominee on November 25, 2007 at Euclid High School.

Al supported the United Red Cross Blood Bank, donating 16 gallons and chairing U.S.S and S.N.P.J blood drives. Al was selected as recipient of the annual Slovenian Man of the Year award in 1987 and Slovenian Man of the Year in West Park for all his hard work and dedication in volunteering and for his desire to improve and promote the Slovenian people, culture and music. Al promoted many polka bands such as Yankovic, Vadnal, Pecon, Bright, Kravos, Wojtila, Grand Avenue, Klepec, Wayne Tomsis, Somich, Tomsick and U.S.S. Band. So, the saying goes: “give a busy man a job and he will do it,” that was Al. This was proven by the many awards, citations and proclamations he has received for his work.

Al was a devoted, hard nosed husband and father. He dearly loved and admired his wife. He always said: “I want my wife to walk beside me, not behind me, together we can accomplish many things.”

Contributions may be made in memory of Albert to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 15519 Holmes Ave., Cleveland, OH, 44110.

Mass of Christian Burial Saturday, January 20, 2018 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church at 10 AM. Burial following with Military Honors at All Souls Cemetery. Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Albert at THE ZEVNIK- COSIC FUNERAL HOME OF WILLOUGHBY HILLS, 28890 CHARDON ROAD (between Bishop Rd. and Rt. 91) FRIDAY 2-4 & 5-8 PM.