Joseph Walter Pieklo

SALAMANCA - Joseph Walter Pieklo, 73, of Highland Avenue, died Saturday (Dec. 22, 2012) at his home following a short illness.
Born Jan. 2, 1939, in Lackawanna, N.Y., he was a son of the late Joseph Himes and Marion Pieklo. He was married to the former Martha Walter McLaughlin, who survives.
He was employed as a conductor for Conrail for 50 years prior to his retirement.
Mr. Pieklo was a life member of the Holy Cross Athletic Club, Loyal Order of the Moose Club in Randolph, Salamanca Conservation Club, a social member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars John F. Ahrens Post No. 5296 and the Square Circle Club.
He enjoyed Big Band and Polka music, and his favorite song was "Moving On" by Emmylou Harris. He was an avid traveler. He had his private pilot license and enjoyed riding his Harley. His hobbies also included meat processing and golfing, and he took pride in his home and lawn.
Surviving besides his wife are four daughters, Barb (Keith) Roberts of Frewsburg, N.Y., Mary (Tom) LaCaze of New Orleans, La., Janet (Dean) Nedvidek of Homan, Wisc. and Sharon Pieklo of Whitehall, Wisc.; a son, Chief HCM Robert (Tina) Pieklo of Harvey, La.; four step-daughters, Sherrie (Jim) Geddes of Frewsburg, Terrie (Bill) Frazier of Salamanca, Cathy (Dan) Skiver of Allegany and Tammy (Jon) Lichy of Salamanca; a step-son, John (Jody) McLaughlin of Bolivar; 28 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; a brother, George "Bear" (Joan) Gray of Salamanca; and Joe's right-hand man, Michael Duhan.
He was predeceased by a step-daughter, Toni McLaughlin.
Friends may call in the O'Rourke & O'Rourke Inc. Funeral Home, 25 River St., Salamanca, on Saturday (Dec. 29, 2012) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at which time funeral and committal services will be held with Rev. Patrick Melfi, pastor of Our Lady of Peace Parish, officiating.
The family suggests memorials to Homecare & Hospice or the American Cancer Society.
E-condolences can be sent to john@orourke-orourke.com or posted to facebook.com/onofh.