Joseph James Jurkovic

Joseph James Jurkovic, a lifelong Peckville resident, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023, in Carbondale. Joe was born March 26, 1926.

He was the son of the late John (Yurkovitz) Jurkovic, who was born in Hungary in 1882 and passed in 1957 and Mary (Hanicak) Jurkovic who passed in 1936. Joe was the last living member of the Jurkovic family. He was a devout member of the Holy Ghost Church in Olyphant and a graduate of Blakely High School, class of 1946. Joe attended University of Scranton on a football scholarship.

Joe served in the Army and was honorably discharged in 1952 with the rank of Corporal. He spent his post-Army career working for Tobyhanna Army Depot, specializing in telecommunications and retired in 1992 after 40 years of civilian service. Joe lived a quiet, dignified life, taking care of his family, studying politics, current events and history. He was deeply devoted to his Church, and he loved Penn State football.

Joe is survived by two nieces, Helene Corrigan of Palm Coast, Florida, Mary Lou Serafin of Bethlehem, Pa.; five great-nieces, Karen Rockoff of Wellesley Island, N.Y., Patricia Serafin of Redondo Beach, Calif., Nancy Fertenbaugh of Mount Wolf, Pa., Stephanie Corrigan of Odenton, Md. and Kelly Groves of Waxhaw, N.C.; and four great-great nieces and one great-great nephew.

Joe will be dearly missed by his family and his circle of close friends.

He was preceded in death by his older brothers, Michael (Mickey) in 1948, Stephen in 1980, and John Jr. (Jay) in 1997; a younger brother, Francis, who was a decorated Korean War hero, who died in combat in 1953; a sister, Mildred (Millie) in 1994.

There will be a memorial mass held at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, Peckville on Friday, March 24, at 11 a.m. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Louis M. Margotta Funeral Home, Jessup.