Joseph John Shimko

Joseph John Shimko, 79, of Avoca, passed away on Friday, February 16, 2018 at home surrounded by his loving family.

Joseph was born in Duryea on February 17, 1938 to the late Andrew and Tessie (Wojciechowski) Shimko. As a very faithful man, he was a member of Queen of the Apostles Parish (formerly Ss. Peter and Paul’s Parish), Avoca. Joseph was one of the original four Eucharistic Ministers for Ss. Peter and Paul’s and continued for Queen of the Apostles. He was a co-coordinator of the RCI program at Ss. Peter and Paul’s church and a past president of the Catholic Men’s Club.

He was the Vice President and Co-founder of the Cross Valley Federal Credit Union for 35 years. He served on the board until 2015. Joseph was member of the Knights of Columbus, Pittston and the Avoca Lions Club. He liked to watch sports his favorite teams being the Phillies, Eagles, and Red Barons. He enjoyed spending time with his sons at games.

Joseph is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Betty (Romanecz) Shimko, three sons, Kenneth Ruddy, Avoca; Drew and his wife Lauren Shimko, Jonestown, PA; and Todd and his wife Rhonda Shimko, of Selinsgrove, PA; three grandchildren, Todd Alan “LT” Shimko, Emma Grace Shimko, and Keilani Summer Shimko, two brothers, Chester and his wife Katty Shimko, Pittston; and Leonard and his wife Bernadine Shimko, Harding; and several nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, February 20, at 9:30am at Queen of the Apostles Parish, 715 Hawthorne St., Avoca with Father Phillip J. Sladicka officiating. The family asks that you go directly to the church.

Family and Friends are invited to call on Monday, February 19, from 5:00pm to 8:00pm at Kniffen O’Malley Leffler Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc., 728 Main St., Avoca.

Interment will be in Ss. Peter and Paul Cemetery, Moosic.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to Queen of the Apostles Parish at 715 Hawthorne St. Avoca, PA 18641.

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