Peter P. Hoherchak

Peter P. Hoherchak, 89, of Jim Thorpe, entered into eternal rest on Saturday, April 4, 2020 at St. Luke’s Hospital, Lehighton Campus.  He was the husband of Claire (Schweibinz) Hoherchak, and they were married for 59 years.  Born in the Coalport section of Jim Thorpe, he was a son of the late Peter and Mary (Rimsky) Hoherchak.  

Pete was one of eleven children, born in 1930.  Educated in local schools, he served with the 14th Armored Division of the U.S. Army in Germany for 3 years. For 18 years Pete served as a business consultant in the steel casting field, but turned his interests to law enforcement in the mid-1960’s. He attended a local community college, studying criminal law and medical-legal investigation. Pete was appointed Justice of the Peace under Gov. William Scranton from 1968 to 1970. In 1971, he became Chief Deputy Sheriff of Carbon County under Sheriff Louis D. Lisella. He was then elected sheriff in 1976 serving five consecutive terms in that capacity.  Pete was the top vote-getter in each of his elections. During his tenure, Pete saw the need for a new correctional facility and worked hard to bring the idea to reality. In January 1995, the new facility was dedicated. Pete’s expertise and leadership was acknowledged by the Pennsylvania Sheriff’s Association in the many positions he held on that board and finally as its president in 1986.  During Pete’s tenure, he had a focus on the youth of the area, creating and organizing the Carbon County Junior Deputy Program and oversaw the annual fishing contest held by that group each year.  He also worked with the Hickory Run Juvenile Detention Center on raising and releasing pheasants and fish for the local area.  Pete was active with local organizations, having memberships with the Fairview Hose Co. and Diligent Hose Co., both of Jim Thorpe, and the Jim Thorpe American Legion.   After his retirement, Pete continued to be an avid fisherman and hunter, enjoying his salmon fishing on Lake Ontario and participating in activities as a member of the Sportsman Rod & Gun Club in Andreas.   He was of the catholic faith and was a member of St. Mary’s Byzantine Catholic  Church in Nesquehoning PA.   Pete was a good friend to many and shall be sorely missed.

Surviving in addition to his wife Claire at home is a son Peter of Jim Thorpe, daughters Denise wife of Kevin Green of Jim Thorpe, Elizabeth wife of Ron Romanchik of Summit Hill, Claire wife of John Burns of Hometown, brothers Joseph Hoherchak of New Ringgold PA and Andrew Hoherchak of Jim Thorpe PA, grandchildren Rhonda, Sheri, Nelson, Ronnie, Brian, John, Patrick and Jada, Great Grandchildren Skylar, Kendra, Kaleyia, Sierra, Coalton, Aiden and Great Great Grandchild Carson.  He was pre-deceased by a daughter Rose Shupp, granddaughter Chelsea Green-Lapp, brothers Paul, George, Michael and sisters Mary Kuzo and Helen Gimbor. 

Services will be private in accordance with the CDC precautions for the public concerning the Covid-19 pandemic.  The family will hold an interment service with graveside military honors at St. Mary’s Byzantine Catholic Cemetery at a later date.  Memorials in his name may be made to either the Fairview Hose Co. or the Sportsman’s Rod and Gun Club of Andreas, c/o the Funeral Home.  Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Bruce A. Nalesnik Funeral Home, 57 West Center Street Nesquehoning PA 18240. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.nalesnikfh.com

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