John E. Walko

GIBSONIA, PA… John E. Walko age 95, passed away peacefully Saturday February 22, 2025 at The Village at St. Barnabas Senior Living. He was born June 23, 1929 in Youngstown, Ohio and was a son of John C. and Malvina (Halape) Walko.

John grew up in Campbell and was a 1947 graduate of Campbell Memorial High School and was a proud Red Devil having played on the multiple Championship Football teams there.

Following his high school graduation, John enlisted into the United States Navy and was proud of his military service.

He was employed for many years as a Diesel Mechanic for Halls Motor Company of West Middlesex, Pennsylvania; previously known as Werner Continental Trucking and Mesta Machine in New Castle.

John was married to his first wife Florence Makarevich; whom he married on June 30, 1951 and shared 42 years together living in New Castle, Pennsylvania, until she sadly passed on March 29, 1993.

He married his second wife Anita (Nightingale) Walko on November 12, 1994 and they resided in Campbell, Ohio for 24 years, until she sadly passed away on August 19, 2018.

John loved his family dearly and loved spending time with his children, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren.  He loved to play Golf with family and friends and was a member of the Rolling Hills Golf Course for many years. He also enjoyed gardening and enjoyed woodworking in his retirement years.  John was a Pittsburgh Steelers and Penn State Fan and enjoyed watching football. He was also a member of the Bessemer Croation Club and the New Castle Slovak Club.

He is survived by his loving children, his daughters Janet (Claude) Avvisati of Villa Park, Illinois, Pauline (Joseph) Slovick of Newbury Park, California and his son John (Jennifer) Walko of Wexford, Pa. He also leaves his grandchildren Jessica Walker, Lindsey Finney, Danielle Avvisati, Adrian Slovick, Catie Slovick, Melina Walko and Katarina Walko; as well as 6 great-grandchildren.

John was preceded in death by his parents his first wife Florence and his second wife Anita. He was also preceded in death by his sisters Mary Antonitz, Lucille Vrancich, Ann Del Duchetto, Dorothy Ayers, Theresa Tokasz, Elizabeth “Betty” Tascik and his brothers Carl and Frank Walko.

Family and friends may call on Thursday, March 6, 2025 from 4-7pm at the Wasko Funeral Home in Campbell.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 7, 2025 at 10:30am at the Wasko Funeral Home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11am at Christ the Good Shepherd Church in Campbell.

John will be laid to rest with full military honors at Castleview Memorial Gardens in New Castle, Pa.

The Family has asked for donations in lieu of flowers to be sent to The Oblate Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, 50 Warner Rd. Hubbard OH, 44425. www.oblatesistersofshj.com

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