Robert Thomas Alesczyk, age 75, formerly of Plains Township, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family in Harrisburg on March 29, 2026, where he was cared for by his daughter Tara Pennypacker and his wife Joan. He lived a beautiful life, guided by respect for God and his country.

Born in Wilkes-Barre on April 13, 1950, Robert was the beloved son of Robert and Regina Berrini Alesczyk. He was one of four siblings raised in the Plains Area. Robert attended St. Joseph Elementary School and graduated from Plains Memorial High School in 1968, where he played on the basketball team.

In October 1968, Robert enlisted in the United States Air Force. During the Vietnam War, he served in Arizona, Nevada, Vietnam, and Thailand. He achieved the rank of Sergeant before being honorably discharged.

After his military service, Robert pursued higher education at King’s College, earning dual degrees in Communications and Computer Science. His academic accomplishments helped him secure a position with the United States Post Office. This began a thirty-eight-year career with the Postal Service.

While working at the Postal Service, Robert met his future wife, Joan Dougherty. He was immediately captivated by Joan, and after offering her a ride home, the two became inseparable. They married on July 17, 1976, in the Plains Area, and this year would have marked their fiftieth wedding anniversary. Together, they raised their daughter Tara.

Upon retiring from the Postal Service, Robert worked for Cornerstone Credit Union as the building supervisor for five years, overseeing an expansion project. In retirement, he cherished time with his grandchildren and attended their school and sporting events.

In his leisure time, Robert enjoyed playing golf at Fox Hill Country Club, dancing and going to concerts with Joan, cooking, and listening to rock music while savoring a glass of Jack Daniel’s.

Robert’s life was marked by deep Christian faith, evident in all he did. He was a member of St. Joseph Church in Hudson, where he served as basketball coach, church lector and usher, and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. When the parish merged with Saints Peter and Paul Parish, Robert’s voice was heard on holidays, reading the Passion of Christ on Good Friday or participating in the washing of the feet on Holy Thursday. He was also known for donning a red hat and playing Santa Claus for children at events across the Valley.

Robert was a member of American Legion Post 558 in Plains, a lifelong member of Fox Hill Country Club, the Perugia Club in Laflin, and St. Conrad’s Club in Wilkes-Barre. He generously donated blood to the Red Cross throughout his life.

Robert lived a wonderful life, creating lasting memories and touching many lives through his service to his country and faith. He will be eternally cherished and forever missed. We look forward to seeing him again.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents Regina and Robert, his brother Russel, and his sister Regina Vaughn.

He is survived by his loving wife Joan of Harrisburg; daughter Tara Pennypacker and her husband Jason of Harrisburg; grandchildren Jagger and Cullen Pennypacker of Harrisburg; brother Ronald of Plains; sister-in-law Patricia Clinton and husband Tom, Hanover Township, sister-in-law Katy Gaeta and husband Richard, North Brunswick, NJ and brother in law Joseph Dougherty, Hanover Twp., along with several nieces and nephews.

Friends and family are invited to call on Monday, April 6, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Yanaitis Funeral Home Inc., 55 Stark Street, Plains.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, April 7, at 9:30 a.m. at Saints Peter and Paul Parish, 13 Hudson Road, Plains. Mass will be celebrated by Rev. John C. Lambert, Pastor. Family and friends are asked to gather at the church, with family receiving guests from 9:00 a.m. until the service begins.

The family would like to thank the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and Rehabilitation Hospital for the care, concern, and compassion they have shown to Robert and to his family throughout his stay. They would also like to thank Hospice of Central Pennsylvania for their tender care when it was needed most and a special thank you to Melissa Alexander.