Joseph John Dzuricsko

Joseph John Dzuricsko, 87, of Ripley, N.Y., died today, July 28th, at the Veterans Administration hospital in Erie, Pa. He was born on February 6, 1923 at Clairton, Pa., where he lived most of his life. Since 1996 he also resided in Erie, PA, Warren, PA and finally Ripley, NY with his nephew Albert. "Uncle Joey" was a World War II veteran and participated in the Normandy Invasion as a communications operator. He retired after 30 years of service in 1971 from US Steel Corp., Clairton Coke Works as a Screening Station operator. A lifelong bachelor, he was an avid and knowledgeable sports and movies fan with an amazing flair for trivia. He watched out for everyone he knew. He graduated from Clairton High School in 1941, where he excelled on the basketball team. Joey was the son of the late Michael and Mary Mital Dzuricsko; and brother of the late Margaret (Margie) Dzuricsko Richnafsky of Clairton, Pa. He survived by his nephew, Albert M. Richnafsky, of Ripley, N.Y.; and grand-niece and nephew, Jennifer P. Richnafsky and Albert A. Richnafsky, both currently of Manhattan, New York City. Friends will be received at the S. M. Finney Funeral Home, Inc., 432 N. 6th St., Clairton (Wilson) on Friday July 30 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 31 at the Ascension Greek Catholic Church, Park Avenue with Father Ivan Mina officiating. Burial will follow in Ascension Cemetery, St. Clare Avenue, Clairton immediately following service. Memorials can be made to the American Cancer Society or Veterans Administration Hospital, Hospice Unit, 135 E. 38th St., Erie, Pa. in his name where he resided since January, 2009. Uncle Joey was a remarkable fighter to the end!