Joseph Stephen Petko

Joseph Stephen Petko, of Stuart, Florida, died on December 28, 2025 peacefully at his residence surrounded by his wife, three daughters and son. He had celebrated his 89th birthday on Thanksgiving Day (November 27th).

Joseph was the son of the late John Joseph Petko and Anna Maria Petko (nee Grosko), Philadelphia, PA. He was the beloved husband of Frances Patricia “Pat” (nee Halfpenny) for 66 years, with whom he shared four children, and was lovingly called “Poppy” by his nine grandchildren.

He graduated from North Catholic High School for Boys, class of 1954, in Philadelphia, PA. He then served in the Army during the Korean conflict and returned to attend night school while raising his family. Joseph went on to graduate from LaSalle College in Olney, PA, class of 1965.

Early in his career, Joseph so strongly desired to take care of his growing family, he worked multiple jobs, including work as a plumber, worked in sales on jewelry row, worked in a furniture store, as well as working in real estate. As Joseph’s career advanced, he worked for Honeywell Inc., General Electric/Lockheed Martin, Space Systems Division in King of Prussia, PA for 32 years, retiring in 1994.

Dad loved volunteering within the St. Ann’s church community (Phoenixville). Upon retirement, he remained heavily involved in the community by helping senior citizens with their taxes through AARP in Hazleton, PA. And Dad remained active in local sports- He served as a Valley Forge Jr. Ski Club co-chairperson in King of Prussia, PA and a Phoenixville YMCA Baker Park Swim Team co-chairperson. Additionally, he served as, both, President and Treasurer on the Board of Directors at Beech Mountain Lakes, in Hazleton, PA.

Poppy was our superhero – he gave his whole heart and soul to love and provide for us. He taught us to respect and love one another, unconditionally. His family and friends enjoyed visits to Poppy’s and Patty’s homes in Wildwood, NJ and Beech Mountain Lakes, PA. He always prided himself on having everything any guest would desire for their visits! Watching his family celebrate holidays and large family events always gave him so much joy. His quiet love and strength will be sorely missed by family and friends.

Throughout the years, Joe and Patty resided in Phoenixville, PA where they attended St. Anne’s Catholic Church; Hazleton, PA where they attended Good Sheperd church; and, North Wildwood, NJ where they attended Notre Dame de la Mer Parish. They are current members of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, in Stuart, FL

In addition to his wife Frances, Joe is survived by his daughter, Pam Sacha (Donnie); his daughter, Linda Breitinger (Jim); his daughter, Karen Webb (Don); and, his son, Steve (Michelle). He is also survived by his nine grandchildren: Dustin, Katie, Jordan, Haylee, Kylie, Michael, Ashley, Emily, and Casey. His first great-grandson, Liam Joseph, was born February 26, 2026.

A Memorial Service will be held at St. Ann Chapel, 604 Main St, Phoenixville, PA, on Saturday, April 18th, 2026 at 11:00 AM

A visitation will be held at the chapel from 9:45-10:45 AM as well as 5-7 PM Friday, April 17th at Devlin-Gatcha Funeral Home, 517 Main Street, Phoenixville, PA 19460.

Inurnment will follow mass at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Phoenixville, PA.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making a donation in Joseph’s Memory to The Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation https://www.cholangiocarcinoma.org/donate/