Albert J. Pesak Jr.

Albert James ("Bert") Pesak, Jr. died peacefully Saturday, Aug. 26, 2023. He was 85 years old. He had been residing at the Lutheran Home in Southbury, CT. 

Bert was born Dec. 23, 1937, in Norwalk, CT, to Albert and Jennie Pesak. An only child, Bert grew up in Norwalk and graduated from Norwalk High School. After high school, he served in the U.S. Army as a tank mechanic. Following his military service, he worked as a machinist and tool-and-die maker for the Alden O. Sherman Company. Bert had tremendous admiration for the company's founder/owner, Alden Sherman. He later founded his own machine company in Danbury, CT., called Fabrications Technology (Fab-Tec). He led Fab-Tec for 25 years before selling it.

Bert was an early adopter of computer-aided manufacturing and was among the first to use an early wire electrical discharge machining (EDM) metal cutter. He also held a design patent. He made an aluminum heat sink that, for a time, was used in every television RCA made. He also mass-produced an electric winch used to launch model gliders. Twenty-five years after those winches were out of production, many were still in use and considered among the best in class. After he sold Fab-Tec, he partnered in a business creating computer networks for small businesses. He also worked in the IT department for Oxford Health.

Bert was a tremendous builder. He rebuilt most of the house he lived in with his family, including creating two additions. He welded a motorized go-kart for his children. He was an aviation fan and built many remote-control models. He was a member of the New Canaan R/C Society, a group of remote-controlled aircraft enthusiasts, and loved flying with them. He also was an avid sailor, with two sailboats that he kept at the Housatonic Boat Club. He loved the Boat Club, and sometimes manufactured custom boat parts for his fellow members.

He is survived by his wife, Joan Alice Pesak, whom he married July 16, 1966. He leaves behind three children and nine grandchildren, including Eric Pesak (wife Amy Gooen, grandchildren Juliana, Ryan and Mark) of Leesburg, VA; Douglas Pesak (wife Stacey Pesak, grandchildren Sarah and Aubree), of Oxford, CT; and Rachel Heidrick, of Parker, CO (grandchildren Joseph, Gabriella and Max Hufford and Jamie Heidrick).

His family will receive friends on Thursday Aug. 31 from 8-10 AM, with a prayer service to begin at 10 AM at Magner Funeral Home. 12 Mott Avenue, Norwalk Connecticut 06850.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Lutheran Home of Southbury, 990 Main Street North, Southbury, CT 06488.