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March 27, 2022
Have you met Jean and Pete Pascale?
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Congratulations to Jean Pascale who turned 80 this week on Tuesday, March 22nd. Many of you know Jean and her husband, Pietro (Pete), because of their tremendous
volunteer service to Holy Spirit Parish.
Jean was born in Canton, Ohio in 1942 to Martha, a Northern Irish immigrant, and Roy—who liked to say he was 50% German, 30% Dutch, 20% Irish, and 100% hillbilly. Jean’s parents met in the Salvation Army, and instilled a strong work ethic and Christian service values in their six children.
Jean attended Mount Union College in Ohio and set out to become a teacher. She had an older sister, Ann, (recently passed) who was something of a third parent and confidante for Jean. So, when Jean went looking for a first teaching job she followed Ann and her husband to New Jersey (of all places!) Now, there are a lot of Italians and Catholics, in New Jersey. But you might still say she met a one-of-a-kind Italian Catholic in Pietro. He was also starting his teaching career. They met in Summit, New Jersey, fell in love, and wed. They have been married for over 50 years!
Jean and Pietro taught high school while Pietro completed a Doctorate. When he went looking for a job as a professor, the good Lord saw fit to move Jean’s sister, Ann, and her family back to Niles, Ohio. Amazingly, God blessed Pietro with a job at Youngstown State University—so Jean was reunited with her family and found employment in the Mahoning County, Ohio school system.
You may not know this, but Jean is a convert to the Catholic faith. Being from Northern Ireland, Jean’s mother Martha was a Protestant, and Roy as well. In fact, Roy wasn’t so sure about Pietro, he being Catholic and all. But he quickly grew to appreciate Pietro’s service to Jean’s family, a value of service
that they have shared with all of us!
They had children, Peter and Annmarie, and raised them in Pulaski, PA. Both have gone on to be professionals and raise their own families. It was important for Jean that they also have a strong faith. She had promised to raise her children Catholic when she married Pietro. As she learned about the Catholic Faith and Sacraments, she decided to join the church. Her faith and involvement with the church have been the bedrock of her family. Her children will tell you she is open and engaging about her faith, and it’s a strong part of their family relationship to this day.
Jean is quick to remind others that the Holy Spirit community is a blessing for her and Pietro. There is no question that Jean and Pietro are a tremendous blessing to all of us!
Pietro was on the building committee of St. James when it expanded, and has devoted countless hours to Building and Grounds, as well as to Outreach. I hate to think of what it would have cost for all the painting, repairs, and carpentry—Pietro is one of many men in our community who routinely helps out wherever needed.
Jean is an organizational powerhouse. She has helped Holy Spirit Parish come together to form a unified group of amazing workers. This includes our Women of Faith and all our fundraising groups. People have been known to joke “If Jean’s number is on caller ID, don’t answer the phone because she will have a job for you to do!” Jean has a full-time job as our parish facilitator, and she does it all for NO pay or benefits.
Jean and Pete volunteer endless hours of service to Holy Spirit Parish as we strive to unite seven former parishes into one thriving and vibrant parish. The energy, enthusiasm, and dedication that they bring to our parish family is truly inspiring with profound effect on all of us. Please join me in congratulating Jean and Pete and expressing our shared gratitude for their life, their faith, their witness and their tremendous love!
God love you,
