Roman “Ray” Leonard Jendrasik
Age 93, passed away peacefully on April 23, 2023, in Charleston, SC. Born and raised in the Lawrenceville neighborhood of Pittsburgh, PA, Roman was a proud Army veteran and served in the Korean War from 1951-52, where he was awarded a Purple Heart. The son of Polish immigrants, Roman was proud of his heritage, teaching his daughters and grandchildren his favorite Polish slang and enjoying the occasional meal of kielbasa and pierogies.
Roman was a graduate of Central Catholic High School, and met his beloved wife, the late Dolores (Dee) Jendrasik, by chance during a rainstorm after a neighborhood dance. They were married 66 years before her passing in 2017.
After his time in the Army, Roman had a long career as an electrical draftsman, working on numerous steel mill projects throughout the Pittsburgh area. In retirement, he continued his hardworking ways as a handyman throughout his Penn Hills neighborhood, fixing doors, locks, and any other odd or end in need of repair. Roman was a proud member of the Korean War Veterans Association of Western Pennsylvania.
Four years ago, he relocated to Charleston, SC to be closer to his daughters. Roman slowly grew to appreciate the lowcountry lifestyle, though he remained a die-hard Pittsburgh sports fan, especially his beloved (and beleaguered) Pittsburgh Pirates. Whether recounting Gunsmoke and Bonanza reruns or spinning a tale with one of his stories, Roman was known for his quick sense of humor and a deep love and dedication to his family.
He is survived by the family with whom he loved to spend time, children, Linda (David) Rodgers-Scribner, Karen (James) Petrucelli, and Jennifer (late Chris) Fedele; sister Irene Abel (late Enos); grandchildren Adam (Gina), Alex, Mandi (Corey), Alee (Brian), Tyler (Kelby), Stephen (Jordan) and Faith; Shamus (Rachel), Emilie (Matt) and the late Aimee; numerous great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. In addition to his parents, Roman was predeceased by wife Dolores, and siblings Helen Baum, Alfred Jendrasik, and Butchie Jendrasik.
Friends will be received at the William F. Gross Funeral Home, 11735 Frankstown Road, on Monday, May 1, 2023 from 5 to 8 p.m. Funeral Prayers will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, May 2, 2023 at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Susanna Church (Christ the Divine Shepherd) at 200 Stotler Road in Penn Hills. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in his name to the Korean War Veterans Association (PO Box 407, Charleston, IL 61920). Or visit http://www.kwva.org/in_memoriam/in_memoriam.asp