A 1979 graduate of Villanova University, Mr. Pelkofsky graduated from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry in Philadelphia in 1984.

Mr. Pelkofsky began his career with Sheldon L. Morris Associates at Crozer-Chester Medical Center and continued with that practice when it merged with Ophthalmic Surgical Associates at the medical center. He was employed there at the time of his death.

His brother, Gerard, said that Mr. Pelkofsky grew up working in the potato and tomato fields of family-owned farms in the Long Island towns of Commack, Deer Park and St. James.

A sports fan, he had tickets for the Flyers-Rangers game on Saturday, to celebrate the birthday of his son, Eric.

Besides his son and his brother, Mr. Pelkofsky is survived by his wife, Beth; a daughter, Sarah; his mother, Eileen Pelkofsky Macedonio; two brothers; and four sisters.

A Funeral Mass will be said at 10:30 a.m. today at the Church of St. Kevin, 200 W. Sproul Rd., Springfield. Burial was to be private.