Joseph A. Chomko

Joseph A. Chomko of West Scranton died Monday morning at Regional Hospital of Scranton. He and his wife, the former Roseann Miller, celebrated 46 years of marriage Nov. 6.

Born in Taylor, he was the son of the late Margaret Savitskas and Joseph A. Chomko Sr. He was educated in Taylor schools before becoming employed by the Scranton Fire Department, where he retired with the rank of chauffer. He was also owner/operator of Link-It Fence Co., Scranton. He was a Vietnam veteran who served as a SP4 (T) and boat operator in Vietnam. He served in the Army with the 523rd Engineer Company and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal for his duties.

"Big Joe" had a golden heart and expressed an unsurpassed kindness to all he met. He was an avid outdoors sportsman who loved camping, hunting and fishing, especially at the ocean. He was a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather who deeply cherished his family life. His greatest source of pride and joy came from spending time and making memories with his grandchildren, whom he adored. He also had many lifelong loyal friends, for whom he cared greatly, especially his cousin, Drew Chomko Gondella, who was like a little brother to him. He will be genuinely missed by all who truly knew him to be a person who helped the world be a better place to live in.

He is survived by his true love, Roseann; his daughter, Jolene Hanley, and son-in-law, Danny Hanley, who was like a son to him; his granddaughter and bestest girl, Ciara Jordan; and his grandson and buddy, Joseph Daniel, all of Scranton.

The funeral will be Friday at 10:15 a.m. from the Carl J. Savino Jr. Funeral Home, 157 S. Main Ave., Scranton, with Mass of Christian Burial at 11 in St. Ann's Basilica, St. Ann's Street, Scranton. Interment with military and Scranton Fire Department honors, Cathedral Cemetery, Scranton.

Friends may call Thursday, 4 to 8 p.m.