PJ was born in Springfield, IL. He graduated from Cathedral Grade School, Griffin High School, and Southern Illinois University Carbondale, and attended Springfield College in Illinois as well as Lincoln Land Community College. PJ is a member of Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.

Other memberships include Knights of Columbus Council #364, Bishop Griffin 4th Degree Assembly, United Commercial Travelers and Sigma Phi Sigma Fraternity. PJ and his wife Ruth are the parents of six children and doting grandparents to one granddaughter.

PJ joined the Staab Family team in 1974 and became a funeral director in 1979.  He is a Certified Preplanning Consultant (CPC) with the National Funeral Director’s Association.