Joan Pestka Obituary

February 2, 1939 – July 3, 2025


It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Joan Pestka, who passed away on July 3 at the age of 86 in New Jersey.


Joan was born on February 2, 1939 in Queens, New York, to John Sparacin and Lillian Vegotsky. Her first memories were of her childhood home in Flushing, and she finished high school at Highland Manor in West Long Branch, New Jersey. Joan is survived by her children and their partners Steven (Caroline), Sharon (James), and Robert (Kazumi); and her nine grandchildren Hannah, Ellie, Bea, Ashi, Sabina, Leela, Maya, Robin and Harry. She was predeceased by Sidney, her loving husband of 56 years.


Joan was the quintessential matriarch of our family: loving, highly opinionated about how things should be done, and fiercely loyal to her tribe. Those who knew her will remember her elegance and grace, her compassion and generosity, her playful sense of humor, her sharp mind, and her love of creepy movies.


Joan co-founded PBL Assay Science in 1990 alongside her husband. From the very beginning, she played an essential hands-on role in building the company. While her husband maintained his full-time academic responsibilities, she single-handedly managed every aspect of daily operations. Her dedication and guidance during these formative years laid the foundation for PBL's values and long-term success.


Prior to founding PBL, Ms. Pestka taught high school mathematics and held research and administrative roles in the psychology departments of the University of Pennsylvania, American University, and George Washington University. She earned a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from American University and a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics from the University of Michigan, with minors in Psychology and Physics & Chemistry.


A service will be held on Monday, July 7, at 11:00 am at J L Apter Jewish Memorial Chapel, 486 Pompton Ave, Cedar Grove, NJ 07009, (973) 239-4200. The burial will follow at approximately 1:30 pm at Fountain Lawn Memorial Park, 545 Eggerts Crossing Road, Ewing Township, NJ 08638.


The family will be sitting shiva at the following times and locations:


· Monday, July 7, 2025, 5:00 – 9:00 pm

At the home of Joan Pestka, 82 Brookside Terrace, North Caldwell, NJ 07006


· Tuesday, July 8, 2025, 11:00 am – 2:00 pm and 4:00 – 8:00 pm

At the home of Joan Pestka, 82 Brookside Terrace, North Caldwell, NJ 07006

(There will be a minyan service beginning at 7:00 pm.)


· Thursday, July 10, 2025, 4:00 – 8:00 pm

At the home of Robert, Kazumi, Robin & Harry Pestka, 2 Elbert Court, Highland Park, NJ 08904


All are welcome to attend and celebrate Joan's life. May her memory be a blessing.


In lieu of gifts, donations in the name of Joan Pestka should be made to the ASPCA.