John "Jack" V. Pekar

John “Jack” V. Pekar, of West Haven, passed away peacefully at Milford Hospital on February 24, 2026. He was 81.

Born on August 26, 1944, in Bridgeport, Jack was the beloved son of the late Charles Joseph Pekar and Cecelia (Casey) Pekar. The middle of three children, Jack enjoyed a happy and spirited childhood. He loved building model cars and planes with his older brother and was always a steady, supportive presence in the life of his younger sister. From an early age, his quick wit and warm sense of humor left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.

As a young man, Jack developed a passion for archery and target shooting. His love for craftsmanship extended naturally to automobiles. Jack had a remarkable talent for fixing and refurbishing cars, never hesitating to lend his skills to family and friends. His first car, a used 1960 metallic blue Cadillac, was lovingly restored by his own hands. Over the years, he expanded his projects to include vintage Thunderbirds. For Jack, restoring cars was not just a hobby, but an expression of patience, precision, and pride.

Jack met the love of his life, Joann (Alteri) Pekar, and together they built a life defined by adventure, devotion, and shared joy. They were blissfully married for 53 years. They traveled the world side by side, owning a timeshare in Bermuda for 25 years and journeying across continents by land, sea, and air. Among their many adventures, they flew on the final voyage of the Concorde, rode the Orient Express through Europe, and embarked on multiple cruises. There were few corners of the globe the two did not explore together.

They also shared a love of horse racing and cherished trips to the historic Saratoga Race Course and Churchill Downs. Jack wholeheartedly supported Joann’s passion for doll collecting, accompanying her to toy expos and doll shows across the country as they thoughtfully built her treasured collection.

Joann had a custom carousel horse lovingly crafted just for her, and inspired by her love of them, Jack began painting carousel horses as heartfelt gifts for friends and family, sharing that same joy and creativity with those he loved. Anything that brought Joann happiness brought Jack happiness- she was truly everything to him.

Together, they filled their home on the beach in West Haven with love, laughter, and a lively menagerie of cats, guinea pigs, and other small animals. Their life was one of deep companionship and simple joys.

Jack was predeceased by his beloved wife, Joann, in January of this year. Heartbroken by her passing, he surely longed to be reunited with her. He was also predeceased by his older brother, Charles Pekar Jr.

He is survived by his loving sister, Maureen P. Anderson, and brother-in-law, Tom Anderson, of Shelton; his godson and nephew, Brian Robander, and Brian’s wife, Jenna Robander; and his niece, Megan Anderson, her husband, Steve Everett, and their two children Audrey and Julian Everett. He also leaves behind extended family members and friends who will remember him for his humor, generosity, craftsmanship, and above all, his unwavering love for Joann.

All arrangements are private and at the convenience of the family.

Jack’s life was one of loyalty, adventure, and devotion. Though he will be deeply missed, his family takes comfort in imagining him reunited with his beloved Joann, embarking on their next great journey together.

Prospect Memorial/The Palmerie Family Funeral Home is honored to care for Jack and assist his family during their grief journey. Please leave your condolences, memories, and photos of Jack for his family on his Tribute Wall on this page. 

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