Reverend Monsignor Joseph W. Pekar, age 94, of Bridgeport, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 30,2026 in Stamford Hosptial. Joseph William Pekar was born on February 24, 1931, in Bridgeport to the late  John and Anna Pekar. Msgr. Pekar was ordained n May 25, 1957 and following his ordination, Father Pekar was assigned as an Assistant Priest at Holy Name of Jesus Parish, Stratford, Assistant Priest at Saint Joseph Parish, Danbury and was later  appointed Pastor of Saints Cyril and Methodius Parish in 1971. Msgr. Pekar was member of the Priest's Council and involved in several other organizations such as the Committee of Priests consultants where he served within the Juvenile Court for the City of Bridgeport, he was Regional Director of the Family Life Bureau, Cana Conference District Director, and others, throughout his long and generous service to our diocese and community. Msgr. Pekar is survived by life-long friend, Rosalie Andrechak, her daughter, Kim Aquino and husband, Ramon, Rosalie’s grandchildren, Antonio Aquino and Rosalie Carrena and her husband, Christopher, Rosalie’s great grandchildren, Julia and Antonio Aquino Jr., and Ava and Christopher Carrena Jr.. In addition to his beloved parents, Msgr. Pekar was also predeceased by two brothers, Stephen and John Pekar. Funeral services will be held  on Tuesday, February 10, 2026  at 11:00 AM, at Sts. Cyril and Methoidus Church, 79 Church St, Bridgeport, CT where  a Solemn High Requiem Mass in the Presence of a Greater Prelate will be offered. Interment will follow in St. Michael’s Cemetery Stratford. Arrangements were entrusted to the Galello-Luchansky Funeral Home, 2220 Main Street, Stratford.