Born in St. Clair, PA on October 28, 1926, he was the son of the late George Matsko and Elizabeth (Chervanak) Matsko.
Joseph was a graduate of St. Clair High School, Class of 1944 and Pennsylvania State University, Class of 1953.
Joseph worked for the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry for 34 years. He held various positions in the department from Unemployment Compensation Interviewer in the Tamaqua Job Center to Manager of the Pottsville Job Center. During his tenure as Manager, the Job Center received awards on both the state and national level for work with veterans and the disabled. In 1986, the Job Center was awarded the best Class III office by the Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry.
Joseph was a Labor Management Consultant to various industrial Development groups in attracting new industries into the county. He was an advisor for the Schuylkill Employment and Training Agency, the Job Training Partnership Act, the Community Economic Recovery Program, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Schuylkill County Labor Committee, the Schuylkill County Area Vocational Technical School and the school’s Practical Nursing Program, and the Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29 Continuing Education Council. He was also a member of the State’s Emergency Management Agency. Joseph retired in 1989.
Joseph is a World War II Navy Aircrew veteran having served as a tail Gunner on a four engine Privateer Patrol bomber. He was a member of the St. Clair American Legion Post 719. Joseph was a member of the St. Stephen Roman Catholic Church in Port Carbon.
Joseph spent his later years traveling with his wife Rita, enjoying his Woodworking hobby, and most importantly he enjoyed family gatherings on holidays and special occasions.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Rita, son Joel, and 2 brothers: Michael and George Matsko, and 1 sister: Irene Cherry.
Joseph is survived by his daughter Rene Petruny and her husband Michael, Allentown; son Eric Matsko and his wife Helen, Summerville, SC; daughter-inlaw Cheryl Matsko, Mahanoy City: 6 grandchildren: Kendra and Morgan Petruny, Andrew and Alexa Matsko, Rebecca Tilton (husband James), and Nicole Brouse (husband Matt): 3 great grandchildren Rowan Tilton and Lindsay and Logan Brouse; and nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Holy Cross Church in New Philadelphia at on Monday, October 24th at 11:00AM, with Msgr. William Glosser officiating.
Relatives and Friends are invited to a viewing on Monday morning from 9:00am till the time of Mass at the Holy Cross Church.
Interment with Military Honors will be held in the Sacred Heart Cemetery in New Philadelphia, PA.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. www.t2t.org
The Robert A Evans Jr Funeral Home 208 Pike Street, Port Carbon is in charge of arrangements.