Peter A. Verchinski, Sr. of Commerce, shared his last earthly day with us on Nov.7, 2012, and while we know “for everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted (Ecc. 3:1-2)” our hearts are heavy.

Our spirits soar and we rejoice knowing that he has gone home to be with his heavenly father for all eternity.

Peter was born to Michalina and Adam Verchinski on July 6, 1927, in Carbondale, Pa. He joined the Armed Services in 1945 and served in the Navy and the Air Force. He retired from the Air Force as a Chief Master Sergeant in 1966. He served in World War II, Korean War, and Viet Nam wars.

He was awarded medals for the American Campaign, the Asiatic Pacific Campaign, the World War II Victory, Good Conduct, National Defense Service, and the Air Force Commendation Medal. Peter was very proud of his service to his country.

On Oct. 18, 1977, he married Brenda Whitfield McDuff in Gulfport, Miss. His beloved wife of 37 years survives him. In 2005, Hurricane Katrina uprooted them from Gulfport and brought them to Commerce, to be near family.

They purchased a home built by their son-in-law, Mark Sullivan, and said the street should be renamed “International Drive” and that if all the nationalities could get along as well as the people on his street, peace would reign in the world. 

Always ready with a smile or joke to lighten someone’s day, he cared deeply about others and sharing God’s love with them. He and Brenda became Grandpa and Grandma to the children on the street whose grandparents were not nearby.

Peter believed in sharing the gifts and talents God gives you. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, AARP, (where he taught driving classes), American Red Cross, (where he was a blood monitor), RSVP, as well as operating hurricane shelters before moving from Gulfport.

Peter is survived by Adam Verchinski, his twin brother, of Wayne, N.J. and his sister Victoria Musial of Eymon, Pennsylvania. He is also survived by his children, Helen Paquin of Nokomis, Florida, Peter Verchinski, Jr., and Michelle Miner of Gulfport, Miss., Gina Sullivan of Commerce, Lisa McClendon of Grapevine, Stacy Hardy of Gulfport, Miss.. He is also survived by his grandchildren Angel Gates of Jacksonville, Fla., Heather Sudduth of Pascagoula, Miss., Amanda Devall of Sahuarita, Ariz., Elizabeth Dixon and Lindsey Hardy of Gulfport, Miss., Jourdan, Shelton and Spencer Sullivan of Commerce, and  Chase and Brendan McClendon of Grapevine. He was also blessed with great grandchildren and is survived by them: Abigal and John Gates of Jackson, Fla, Sydney Sudduth of Pascagoula, Miss., Kaleigh-Ann Devall and Kamrynn-Ayla Devall of Sahuarita, Ariz., and Isabella and Brody Dixon of Gulfport, Miss. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Michalina and Adam Verchinski; his sister, Jean Zlotucha; his brother, Paul Verchinski; and his daughter, Teresa Verchinski.

A mass celebrating the life of Peter Anthony Verchinski, Sr. will be at 9 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church on Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2012. A Full Honors Military Funeral will take place at 12:30 p.m. at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway, in Dallas.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Commerce Food Pantry,in care of Jones-Walker Funeral Home, 1209 Live Oak, Commerce,  75428.

Online condolences may be made at www.jones-walkerandson.com and at www.heraldbanner.com