Joseph Paul "Joe" Melko

With his loving family at his side, Joseph Paul Melko passed away peacefully on August 31st, 2025 at his home located in Bridgeport.

Joe was born in Steubenville, OH on September 1, 1948, a son of the late Stephen and Stephanie Kunicki Melko.

Joe and his wife Mary Delores Yarman Melko were married on August 18, 1973, and recently celebrated 53 years of marriage. They raised their children at their home in Bridgeport next to loving neighbors.

Also surviving are his daughter Theresa Ann Metzger and husband Brandon of Maple Lake; three grandchildren, Anneliese Raine Metzger, Guenter Joseph Metzger, and Katharine Sophie Metzger. He also leaves behind his brother, Paul Melko and Anne of Lewis Center, OH; and nephews Paul (PJ) Melko and wife Stacey, and Mark Melko both of Columbus, OH, along with nieces and nephews Audrey Rose, Eli, Graham, and Claire.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter Christina Marie "Tina" Melko, brother Stephen Melko, sisters, Sister Michaela Melko and Michalene Haysler, nephew Stephen Melko, and niece Christine Weiler.

Joseph graduated from the College of Steubenville while attending classes at Saint John Vianny Seminary in Bloomingdale, OH. His majors were Latin, Theology, Philosophy, and English. After graduating from college, Joe had many occupations including cutting trees for a power company in Columbus, earning an 18 wheels driver's license, building and repairing houses for his family, and earning a teaching certificate to work in WV. He taught religion classes at Notre Dame High School from 1972 to 1976. His main teaching involved Conscience on Authority classes and made sure his students earned their grade not just because of their religion but because of the work they produced. Joe was very quiet when teaching but always wanted his students to learn about the importance of their faith and their love for God. During that time, he worked summers at Benedum Airport and loved maintenance, taking airplanes apart and checking to make sure they were safe for the public. This is when Joe realized his love for flying and wanted to fly larger planes for an occupation.

For over 53 years, Joe was a member of All Saints Catholic Church where he was a lector. Joe valued his faith and friendship within the church community. Joe was a member of Alpa Pilots Association for over 30 years and a member of the 4-H Horse Lovers Organization out of Taylor County. With his wife and daughters at his side, Joe was active in hunting, fishing, boating, hiking and biking.

Joe was fortunate to travel the world with his family, but his main love was venturing through the hills and parks of "Almost Heaven" West Virginia.