Paul F. Pelchat passed away peacefully on May 8, 2024.  Paul was born in Detroit in 1938 to Wilfred and Frances (Paquette) Pelchat, who both immigrated from Quebec, Canada. He is the youngest of three siblings, Louis Wilfred "Fred" Pelchat his beloved older brother and sister Audrey Koroly, both predeceased him.   Paul married the love of his life, Joanne (Smith), in 1961.  He is Father to Therese (Tim) Maggioncalda, Paul (Cindi) Pelchat and Celeste (Chuck) Walsh, Grand Father to Felicia (Ian) Croll, Jacqueline (Kyle) Dorris, Emily (Collin Johnson) Maggioncalda, Samantha (Marquis) Farmer and Angela Maggioncalda. He is Great Grand Father to Aryanna and Leilani Croll and Jaxon Farmer.

Paul was very proud of his 30 years at General Motors, starting as a tool and die apprentice at Fisher Body and retiring as an accomplished Engineer Designer at Cadillac.

Although Paul was dyslexic and was told he would never read, he taught himself to read and became a very learned individual.  He was an accomplished amateur photographer, studying under Tony Spina (Detroit Free Press). He acquired multiple engineering certificates, a Theology Degree from Madonna University, was Ordained a Deacon with the Archdiocese of Detroit and earned a Master's in Psychology from Eastern Michigan University.  In his retirement he counseled parishioners for many years at the Church of the Divine Savior.

Paul and Joanne enjoyed 62 years of marriage.  They traveled throughout the USA, Canada, parts of Europe and enjoyed multiple cruises.  One of their favorite destinations in their Chevy Silverado and truck camper was Pismo Beach California, where they would spend the winter months.

Paul was a very spiritual person, practicing not only his Catholic Faith but was very interested in all faiths in addition to being an environmentalist. One of his favorite activities was sitting alone in the woods.

He will be missed by his and Joanne's family and many friends.

There will be a Memorial Visitation on Friday, May 31st, 2 pm - 7pm with a 6 pm Rosary at John N Santeiu & Son Funeral Home. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, June 1st, 10am at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Garden City.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to the Capuchin Soup Kitchen or your favorite charity.