Joseph A. Elko, 86, of Balph Ave, passed away the evening of September 14, 2013 at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh. He was born on March 20, 1927 in New Castle to the late Andrew and Anna Staransky Elko. On Dec 5, 1978, he married the former Pauline Romanio who survives at home.
Joseph worked and retired as a meat cutter for A&P Supermarket. He was a member of St. Vincent DePaul Parish Church and a former member of St. Michaels Church. Serving in the U.S. Army during World War II, he earned several medals while on tour, including the Good Conduct Medal, Expert Rifleman Medal, Occupation Forces Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Red Ribbon Medal, and Combat Rifleman Medal. Joseph also belonged to the Slovak Club, Knights of Columbus Council #512, and American Legion Post #343. Aside from being known as an avid Pirates fan, he was also known for his homemade kielbasi. His greatest joy came from spending time with his family.
In addition to his wife, Joseph is survived by his daughter Judy Gaus and husband Karl of New Castle, and grandchildren, Joe Gaus and fiancée Sara Phipps and Paula Gaus. He is also survived by his nieces, Betty Berkely and Kathy Kidwell and husband Don; nephews, Dr. Joseph Berkely and wife Dr. Marilyn Berkely and John Berkely; and great nephew, Dr. Chris Berkely. Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by his sister, Helen Berkely, and an infant brother.
Visitation will be held on Monday from 4PM to 8PM at the Ed and Don DeCarbo Funeral Home and Crematory 941 S Mill St. The New Castle Area Honor Guard will perform military rites on Monday at 7:45PM at the funeral home.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10AM on Tuesday at St. Vincent DePaul Church, officiated by Father William Siple. A procession will leave the funeral home at 9:30AM.
Interment will take place in the Veterans section at Parkside Cemetery.