Joseph "Pan Josek" Tutka

Jan. 25, 2013

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved husband and dad into our Lord's arms Friday, Jan. 25, 2013.

Joe was born in Taylor, the son of the late Nicholas and Sarah Dowhy Tutka. He was the loving and protective brother to his younger sister, Eleanor, whom he lost in 2005.

A 1940 graduate of Taylor High School, Joe started his long, successful radio career in the U.S. Army as a radioman stationed in Honolulu, Hawaii, during World War II. After his discharge, he pursued his career by graduating from the Cambridge School of Radio Broadcasting in New York City.

His early jobs took him to Houston, Texas, and Canton, Ohio. He returned to this area in 1952 to marry the love of his life, Ann Krasoski (his Anja), with whom he just celebrated 60 blessed, devoted, happy years of marriage. He was the best husband any woman could ever dream of.

Although he was of Ukrainian descent, he had a deep love of Polish polka music and his entire career was devoted to that. "The Pan Josek Polka Show" was heard on WPTS, WICK, WWAX and WMXH. Pan Josek's passion was promoting polkas and all the local polka bands. He was always recognized by his distinguishable voice, and when approached was always happy to talk and befriend any of his listeners. Everyone was his kmotre (friend). His career in radio spanned 60-plus years as he continued his polka show part time unit the age of 82.

Joe sacrificed his full-time radio career to take a job at the Trane Co. so his only daughter could go to college. Carol (his Carolcha) was his pride and joy, and in turn she worshipped the ground he walked on and was so proud to call him her dad. He was a diehard Penn State football fan and he received many Christmas cards from the late JoePa, and he was thrilled to meet and have his picture taken with Matt McGloin at the recent Tailgate for Kids. His love for Penn State was only rivaled by his love of the New York Yankees. He was their No. 1 fan by far.

Joe was a deeply religious man who spent a good majority of his day in prayer or watching the Catholic Channel. He was a lifetime member of St. Vladimir's Ukrainian Catholic Church, a church which he loved. He was not adverse to attending other denominational services and often attended Mass at Ss. Peter & Paul Roman Catholic Church and the icon blessing service at St. George's Russian Orthodox Church. He was a devoted servant of St. Ann and attended the Monday 7:30 Novena for the past 60-plus years. Joe passed peacefully at the end of 7 p.m. daily Mass, which he watched every day.

Joe was a proud and very active member of the American Legion Kosciuszko Post 207, where he served as chaplain for more than 17 years. He was also an active member of the Sloan Seniors.

Although a massive stroke in April 2010 robbed him of his voice and his ability to swallow, it never took away his spirit or his determination to get back what was lost. Joe and his family are most grateful to Dr. Jan Bissett and the students and faculty of the Speech Department at Marywood University for their tireless work and encouragement. Joe cherished the support and love he received from all in the Aphasia Group.

A very active and sharp minded 90-year-old, he was hard to keep up with, never used a walking device even after the stroke.

Joe wasn't blessed with a large family, but God more than made up for it with a multitude of lifetime, loyal, loving friends, most of whom have gone before him, and we are sure welcomed him with open arms. Heaven is a better and happy place with him there. Joe was always thankful for everything that anyone did for him and expressed it with those words and his ever-sweet smile. He never had a bad word for anyone. Our hearts are broken, but we know we were two of the luckiest woman on Earth to call him "Our Joe." If men could be half the man he was, the world would be a better place.

A special thank you to our numerous family and friends who have helped us in any way, especially to Michael C., who has been with us from day one of Joe's stroke recovery journey.

Please bid Joe farewell at the Thomas J. Hughes Funeral Home Inc, 1240 St. Ann St., Scranton, on Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m. Kosciuszko Post No. 207 will have service at 5 p.m. Panachida Service will be at 6 p.m. Divine Liturgy will be on Wednesday at 10 a.m. in St. Vladimir's Ukrainian Catholic Church, 430 N. Seventh Ave., Scranton, by the Rev. Myron Myronyuk. Interment will be in the parish cemetery, Minooka section of Scranton. Those attending the funeral are asked to be at the funeral home by 9:15 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Vladimir's Church, 430 N. 7th Ave., Scranton, PA 18503.