Jeffrey A. "Pokey" Penatzer

PENATZER – Jeffrey A. “Pokey,” 61, Summerhill, passed away July 20, 2025. Born September 13, 1963, in Johnstown. Preceded in death by parents, Raymond F. and Kitty Lou (Werfel) Penatzer; stepmother, Sandra M. (Kinley) Penatzer; infant sister, Judy; and brother-in-law, John Bopp.

Survived by wife, Marcia L. (Bowman) Penatzer; daughter, Ashley Penatzer, engaged to Sterling Dozier; son, Zachary, married to Rebekah (Pinkowski); stepdaughters, Kirsten, wife of Dustin Held; and Carly Garman; grandchildren, Ryker, Emersyn, Paxten, Zion, and 2 more on the way; siblings, Keith, married to Donna (Illig); Mark, married to Canice (Long); Karen, wife of Jeff Richardson; Jennifer Bopp; Joel, married to Suzanne (Lacko); Claudine, wife of Steve Croyle; and Ray, married to Carissa (Yannutz); in-laws, Roger Bowman, married to Kim; Lori, wife of John Sturey; and Linda, wife of Joe Bellis; former wife, Laura (Lacko) Penatzer; numerous nieces and nephews; and faithful companion, Lola.

Pokey was a 1981 graduate of Forest Hills High School. He worked hard to honor his father’s legacy as co-owner of Ray’s Lawnmower Sales & Service. A life member and former Deputy Chief of the Summerhill Borough Volunteer Fire Department. When the siren rang, he was there because someone needed help. That was always enough for him. As a former leader with the Boy Scouts, Troop 53, he taught kids how to tie knots, start campfires, and how to be decent, honest, and dependable. And dependable he was. Pokey was the kind of person you could count on. Need a hand cutting wood? He was there. Need something fixed? If you were paying in beer, he was there with a toolbox and a laugh to lighten the mood. He loved ice fishing, trips to Erie for Walleye, and spending time with family and friends at camp. And who could forget his fresh garlic, those crisp zesty pickles, or his homemade sauerkraut he shared with everyone? In addition, it is undeniable that Pokey’s marinated roast beef and BBQ chicken couldn't be beat! But don't ask for the recipe. Pokey never followed one. He measured with his heart. Pokey didn’t ask for much, but he gave everything he had. He gave us his time, his laughter, his wisdom, and his love. He was selfless in the truest sense of the word.

Friends will be received from 1 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Charles O. Dimond Funeral Home, Inc., South Fork. 

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Father Joseph C. Nale, celebrant. 

Committal, St. Marys Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations to the American Heart Association and the Summerhill Borough Volunteer Fire Department.