Mildred (Zernich) Pesut

Mildred Zernich Pesut, 91, died peacefully on August 26, 2017 at The Crossings at Blacksburg, Blacksburg, VA. Born on December 21, 1925 in Aliquippa, PA, she was a daughter of Amelia (Maravich) Zernich and Tode Zernich (both deceased) who emigrated to the United States of America from Dreznica, in the former Yugoslavia. Mildred is survived by her son, Nicholas Pesut, Jr., VMD and daughter-in-law, Andrea Pesut, VMD of Crouseville, ME; a daughter, Patty Marickovich and son-in-law, Don Marickovich of Blacksburg, VA. In addition to her children, she is survived by five grandsons and their families: Sgt. Darren Pesut, DPT, and wife Kelsey and her daughter, Layla of Fr. Bragg, NC ; Capt. Christopher Pesut, DMD, U.S. Army; Steven Pesut of Framingham, MA; Nicholas Marickovich and wife Trish and their daughters, Elizabeth and Rosalyn from Yorktown, VA; Adam Marickovich and wife Jessica and their daughter, Ella from Pace, FL; brother Milas Zernich and sister-in-law Gloria Zernich of Sewickley, PA; sister Violet Tomei and brother-in-law John Tomei of Aliquippa, PA; brother Theodore (Ted) Zernich and sister-in-law Joan Zernich of Urbana, IL; brother-in-law, Bill Whiting of Aliquippa, PA; and sister-in-law, Nancy Zernich of East Liverpool, OH; several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Nicholas Pesut; her parents; brothers Gordon, Milton and Dale Zernich; sisters Ruby Vukmanovich, Sally Radovich and Louise Whiting; and three nephews. Mildred was a lifelong member of St. Elijah Serbian Eastern Orthodox Church of Aliquippa, PA and a member of the Serbian National Federation, Lodge # 23. A graduate of Aliquippa High School, Mildred was proud of her work as a stenographer with Kerotesc Engineering in Pittsburgh, PA before marrying Nicholas Pesut whom she met through the St. Elijah Church junior choir. Mildred was an avid church volunteer, having provided leadership for numerous banquets, Lenten meals following vesper services, bake sales and other church fundraisers. She edited several memorabilia books for St. Elijah Church celebrations and events. She and her husband were Kumovi (Sponsors) during the St. Elijah Serbian Orthodox Church’s Cornerstone Laying, Consecration and Mortgage Burning. She served as the President of the Kolo (Circle) of Serbian Sisters for twenty years; President of the St. Elijah Mothers’ Club; and supported the Serbian Federation of the Kolo of Serbian Sisters. She received the Gramata for her volunteer service to St. Elijah Church. After moving to Blacksburg, VA in October, 2001, Mildred generously shared her baking talents through Luther Memorial Lutheran Church. The family will receive visitors on Wednesday, August 30 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home Inc, 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa, Pennsylvania 15001. A Pomen (blessing service) will be held Wednesday evening at 7:30 PM. Family and friends will meet Thursday at 11:00 AM in St. Elijah Church for a funeral service. Interment will followat St. Elijah Serbian Cemetery, Hopewell Twp. In lieu of flowers, Mildred requested that donations be made to either St. Elijah Serbian Orthodox Church, 2200 Irwin Street, Aliquippa, PA 15001 or Luther Memorial Lutheran Church, 600 Price’s Fork Road, Blacksburg, VA 24060.

Mildred (Zernich) Pesut

December 21, 1925 - August 26, 2017