Ted PECINA

10 JUL 1930 - 27 JUL 2022

• BIRTH: 10 JUL 1930, Niedyszyna, Poland
• DEATH: 27 JUL 2022, South Bend, St Joseph, IN

• MARRIAGE: 18 JUN 1959, St Joseph County, IN

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[N32790] Ted Pecina
July, 10, 1930 - July, 27, 2022

Ted Pecina, 92, was peacefully called to heaven on July, 27, 2022, with loved ones by his side. He led a truly extraordinary life as a devout Catholic who carried his bravery, patriotism, and virtue with him across continents, later instilling these values in his descendants. Born on July, 10, 1930, in Niedyszyna, Poland, Ted lived his childhood in this small rural village near Warsaw. He enjoyed life on the family farm until Germany invaded his homeland when he was only 9 years old. In 1942, the family was evicted from their home in the middle of the night, transported to Germany, and made to work on a German farm for the remainder of the war. One of Ted’s favorite stories to share was of the immense joy experienced in May 1945 as the Allied Forces, including American troops, rolled through town, at long last freeing his family. After time spent in refugee centers and various cities in Germany, the family emigrated to the United States of America in 1951. Though initially split up, Ted was reunited with his parents shortly after his arrival due to the efforts of his sponsor. Perhaps the greatest honor of his life was serving in the U.S. Army, or in his own words, serving “the best country in the world.” Ted was drafted in 1953 during the Korean war. He served at Fort Bragg in the 3rd Armored Division, the 82nd Airborne Division, and the Military Intelligence of the 3rd Army, due to his ability to speak four languages. Two years later, he was discharged and worked a variety of jobs until being hired at RACO, where he worked as a Tool and Die Designer for 34 years before retiring. For 70 years, he was a parishioner of St. Adalbert Catholic Church, where he served as a lecturer, eucharist minister, and usher. In 1958, he met another Polish immigrant, Josephine Turza, who became his loyal and loving wife. Together they took great pride in raising a family in conditions and with opportunities that were never available to them. They shared their love, faith, patriotism, and values with their children, who then passed these virtues to their grandchildren. Ted’s legacy lives on in each and every family member. We share his incredible story with others and use it as inspiration in our own lives. Because of Ted’s sacrifices and extremely hard work, there are now doctors, engineers, mail men, business women, professors, and authors thriving in his beloved United States and honoring their Polish heritage. Ted is survived by his wife, Josephine (Turza) Pecina, daughters, Christine and Barbara (Sweeney), sons, Mark, Tom, and Mike, and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. There will be a private service for family members only. In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or St. Adalbert Catholic Church in South Bend, IN.

Posted online on July 29, 2022
Published in South Bend Tribune