Joseph P. Elko

Joseph P. Elko, 82, of Dupont passed away Saturday, Dec. 31, 2011, in the Hospice Community Care unit of Geisinger South Wilkes-Barre.

He was born in Dupont on Aug. 18, 1929, and was the son of the late Charles and Victoria Lentowski Elko.

Joseph was a member of Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, Dupont. He was a 1947 graduate of Dupont High School.

Joseph was a veteran of the U.S. Army and served during the Korean War as a medic and was a recipient of the Bronze Star. He worked as a dock foreman for Friedman Trucking and also for Geisinger Hospital. Joseph was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4909 of Dupont.

Joe's passion for the outdoors fueled his interest in gardening and hunting. His dexterity combined with his creativity made him a gifted woodworker. The absolute center of his life — his main priority and love — was his family, by whom he will be missed beyond measure.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, the former Theresa Waskiewicz Elko; his daughter, Karen Haberek, Moosic; and Patricia and her husband, Joseph Haberek, Moosic; grandchildren, Phillip, Ross and Jennifer Haberek, Sarah LaMotta and her husband, Jeffrey; and great-grandson, Koby LaMotta. Joseph is also survived by his brothers, Edward, Arlington, Texas; William Elko, Suscon; his sister, Mary Wasmanski, Plains Township; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday from Kiesinger Funeral Services Inc., 255 McAlpine St., Duryea, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. with the Rev. Joseph Verespy officiating. The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4909 of Dupont will provide military honors. Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday. Interment will be held in the parish cemetery.

Online condolences may be made to www.kiesingerfuneralservices.com.