Robert Thomas Pristera

Robert Thomas Pristera 91, of Highlands Ranch, CO, Braddock and Penn Hills, PA and    Poland, OH, died April 3, 2024, peacefully in his home with his wife by his side. Bob was born on February 8, 1933, to Francesco and Mary (Cortese) Pristera. After graduating from Braddock High School in 1950, he went to work for Westinghouse Research Labs. While working full time and raising a family, Bob attended night school at the University of Pittsburgh, receiving his Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry. In 1965, he moved his family to Ohio and was a research chemist working for the Youngstown Sheet and Tube Steel Company.  His career transitioned to chemical instrument sales and marketing, settling in Denver, CO to work for the LECO Corporation. He retired at 71 after traveling the Western and Southern US for more than 26 years. He was admired by his sales staff and customers alike because of his extensive knowledge and integrity when conducting business.

He was devoted to his Catholic faith, often attending daily mass, praying the rosary, and volunteering at St. Thomas More for years as a Eucharistic Minister and serving on Pastoral Council. In his spare time Bob was an avid reader, completed a daily crossword puzzle, loved anything electronic but he especially enjoyed football and following his beloved Pittsburgh Steelers. Bob was a kind, thoughtful and introspective man, a brilliant chemist and loved being in the kitchen cooking and baking with his family. He was devoted to his wife Jo, who is always the life of the party. They traveled the world together taking many cruises, but their favorite destination was always Italy.

He is survived by Jo, his loving wife of over 70 years and his 3 children, Susan (Ritch) Sutherland, Robert (Donna) Pristera and Michelle (David) Strohmeier. He was the adored  PapPap to his four grandchildren that he considered his greatest blessing --Katie Sutherland, Nicole Pristera, Michael Pristera and Alissa Strohmeier.

A Catholic mass will be held at St. Thomas More on April 19, 2024, at 11:00 AM with a rosary prayed at 10:15 AM.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to a Catholic Charity of their choice.

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