Joseph P. Elko

Joseph P. Elko, 82, of Dupont, died Saturday at Hospice Community Care Geisinger South, Wilkes-Barre. His wife of 57 years is the former Theresa Waskiewicz Elko.

Born in Dupont on Aug. 18, 1929, son of the late Charles and Victoria Lentowski Elko, Joseph was a member of Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, Dupont. He was a 1947 graduate of Dupont High School. Joseph was an Army veteran and served during the Korean War as a medic and was a recipient of the Bronze Star. He worked as a dock foreman for Friedman Trucking, and also for Geisinger Hospital. Joseph was a member of VFW Post 4909 of Dupont.

Joe's passion for the outdoors fueled his interest in gardening and hunting. His dexterity combined with his creativity made him a gifted woodworker. The absolute center of his life — his main priority and love — was his family, by whom he will be missed beyond measure.

Also surviving are two daughters, Karen Haberek, Moosic; and Patricia and husband, Joseph Haberek, Moosic; four grandchildren, Phillip, Ross and Jennifer Haberek, Sarah LaMotta and husband, Jeffrey; great-grandson, Koby LaMotta; two brothers, Edward, Arlington, Texas; and William Elko, Suscon; a sister, Mary Wasman­ski, Plains; several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. from Kiesinger Funeral Services Inc., 255 McAlpine St., Duryea, with Mass of Christian Burial at 10, with the Rev. Joseph Verespy officiating. VFW Post 4909 of Dupont will provide military honors. Interment will be held at the parish cemetery.

Friends may call today, 5 to 8 p.m. Online condolences may be made to www.kiesing erfuneralservices.com.