John Wasko Jr., age 94, died Sunday, February 8, 2015 at UPMC Hamot, Erie after a period of failing health. He lived in Saegertown with his brother, George Wasko for the past 2 1/2 years and previously had lived in Edinboro with his sister, Helen Powell for 17 years. Prior to those years he resided in Cambridge Springs and Clarion. Born on December 28, 1920 in Cleveland, Ohio, he was a son of the late John Wasko, Sr. and Mary Potoma Wasko. On June 1, 1963, he married Eva Littenburger who preceded him in death on December 17, 1984. He subsequently married Mary Chaklos on July 1, 2001 and she preceded him in death on March 10, 2008.
A veteran of World War II, John served with the US Navy in the Pacific. He worked as a maintenance worker for PA Department of Transportation from 1974 until 1982 and prior to 1974 was employed by Hoch Lumber Company in Crossingville. A member of Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Church in Crossingville, John belonged to Venango VFW Post #169, and was a former fire policeman for Cambridge Springs Volunteer Fire Department. He enjoyed vegetable and flower gardening, and dancing. John was a very compassionate and caring person who had a heart for helping others when and wherever he was able.
John is survived by a son – Dale Schrick and his wife, Lynn of Meadville; their daughter – Jenifer Peterman and her husband, Todd of Meadville and their two children. He also is survived by seven step children – Shirley Gribel and her husband, George of Pinellas Park, FL; Betty Zacherl and her husband, Ed of Pinellas Park, FL; Ted Hoover and his wife, Barbara of McKean; John Chaklos and his wife, Nancy of Milledgeville, GA; Alice Morris and her husband, Mike of Frederick, MD; Margaret Huntzinger and her husband, John of Woodbridge, VA; and Virginia Chaklos of Rochester, PA; numerous step grandchildren and step great grandchildren. In addition, John is survived by a sister – Helen Powell of Edinboro and a brother – George Wasko of Saegertown.
Friends may call at the Van Matre Funeral Home, 306 Erie Street, Edinboro, PA on Wednesday, February 11th from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. Panihida prayer services will be held there beginning at 8:30 p.m. Additional visitation will be held at Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Church in Crossingville on Thursday morning from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. Funeral services will begin at 11:00 with Reverend Daniel Mathewson, pastor of the church, officiating. Interment will be in Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery.
Hello, my name is Gary. I live in New Jersey. I have a bracelet with John Waco Jr. With 8 Digits beneath his name. I believe it’s from when he served in the Navy. I would love to return it to his family. Son or daughter. Please contact me at 201-381-7838. If you get an answering service? Please leave me a message with a contact number or email address. I hope you receive this message.
Sincerely Gary B.
I new John and his brother George for many years, mostly from the Eagles Club in Meadville, Pa.
He was very kind to me, he loved music and dance when he could.
MY SYMPATHY, be with his FAMILY, GOD BLESS ALL!!
Betty
I was very sorry to hear of Mr. Wasco’s passing. He was such a nice man who promised to dance at my wedding.If I remarry I’m going to hold him to it. With love, Suzee
Dale and Lynn, so very sorry for your loss. Deepest Sympathy, Barb