Michael Peter Demko Jr.

KINGSTON — Michael Peter Demko Jr., 79, of Kingston, passed away Saturday, June 12, 2021, at Residential Hospice Geisinger South Wilkes-Barre.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Michael P. Demko Sr., Rosalie Nemetz Demko, and sister, MaryAnn Demko Ernst.

Surviving are his wife of 58 years, Patricia A. Wright Demko, daughter Lisa Kurutz and fiancé, Eric Smaltz; daughter, Rose Julian; son, Michael P. Demko III, and son, Jeffery Demko and his wife, Kate McMahon, his grandchildren Nick Kurutz, Amanda Kurutz, Billy Demko and two great-grandchildren. Also surviving are sisters, Rosalie Muroski and Barbara Garcia, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Michael was a graduate of West Side Central Catholic High School, Class of 1959, and King's College, Class of 1970. He spent seven years active duty in the Air Force from Jan. 1960 to May 1967, having duty stations domestically and in Bermuda and Germany, and achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant. He joined the Pennsylvania Army National Guard in 1975 as an E5 and retired after 26 1/2 years at the rank of Chief Warrant Officer III. Michael spent a combined 33+ years in the U.S. Armed Forces. He was the son of a WWII veteran and the father of an Iraq War veteran.

In civilian life, Michael worked in the banking industry for over 30 years, being employed at both United Penn Bank and Mellon Bank as a VP of Marketing and as an Operations Manager at Penn East Federal Credit Union. He loved to drive, so following his retirement from banking, he was employed by Martz Bus Company and then worked part-time as a floral supplies delivery person for Gallagher's Flower Warehouse in Plains.

The Catholic church was an important part of Michael's life. He was an active member of St. Ignatius Church and St. Ann's Chapel, Kingston, ushering at Sunday morning Mass. Michael also served as President of the Holy Name Society.

Michael was also an avid sports fan, and enjoyed football (Go BEARS!), baseball, golf or any live televised sporting event.

The family would like to thank Bayada Home Health for their wonderful care over the past few months.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a local nonprofit veterans organization in your area.

Relatives and friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the Kopicki Funeral Home, 263 Zerbey Ave., Kingston. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:15 a.m. on Friday in St. Ignatius Church, 339 N. Maple Ave., Kingston, with the Rev. Jack Benedict as celebrant. Interment will be in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville.