Joseph J. Dzuricsko

1923 - 02

Joseph John Dzuricsko, 87, of Ripley, N.Y., died Thursday, July 28, 2010, at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Erie. He was born Feb. 6, 1923, in Clairton, where he lived most of his life. Since 1996, he also resided in Erie, Warren and finally Ripley, N.Y., with his nephew Albert. "Uncle Joey" was a World War II veteran and participated in the Normandy Invasion as a communications operator. He retired after 30 years of service in 1971 from U.S. Steel Corp. Clairton Coke Works as a screening station operator. A lifelong bachelor, he was an avid and knowledgeable sports and movies fan with an amazing flair for trivia. He watched out for everyone he knew. He graduated from Clairton High School in 1941, where he excelled on the basketball team. Joey was the son of the late Michael and Mary Mital Dzuricsko; and brother of the late Margaret (Margie) Dzuricsko Richnafsky, of Clairton. He survived by his nephew, Albert M. Richnafsky, of Ripley, N.Y.; and grandniece and nephew, Jennifer P. Richnafsky and Albert A. Richnafsky, both currently of Manhattan, New York City, N.Y. Friends will be received from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at the S.M. FINNEY FUNERAL HOME INC., 432 N. Sixth Street, Clairton (Wilson). A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday in Ascension Greek Catholic Church, Park Avenue, with Father Ivan Mina officiating. Burial will follow in Ascension Cemetery, St. Clare Avenue, Clairton, immediately following service. Memorials can be made to the American Cancer Society or Veterans Administration Hospital, Hospice Unit, 135 East 38th St., Erie, in his name where he resided since January, 2009. Uncle Joey was a remarkable fighter to the end!