Obituary of Joseph Robert

WIKTOR – Joseph Robert, “J.R.”, “ Bob”, 79, Jackson Township, died May 16, 2010, at his beloved farm of natural causes. Born December 27, 1930 in Franklin Boro, son of Joseph and Genevieve (Grata) Wiktor. Preceded in death by parents, brothers Edward and Chester and sister Josephine Ballow. Survived by beloved wife of 54 years, Sharon (West) Wiktor, and daughters Tara, married to William Linne, Falls Church, VA; and Shana, married to Terry Grow, South Fork; step-grandchildren: Michael, Roger and Melissa Grow and step-great grandchildren Makayla Brown and Savannah Grow. Also survived by sister, Constance DeBella, Cheyenne, WY; brother-in-law Alex Ballow, Johnstown; sisters-in-law Betty Wiktor, Pittsburgh, and Candy Maley, wife of Thomas Bianchi, Winter Park, FL, as well as many nieces and nephews and dear friends. Served in the Air Force during the Korean Conflict. Retired Millwright, Bethlehem Steel Blast Furnace and former Jackson Township Supervisor. Member of American Polish Citizens Club and Korean Veterans Association Post 1. Democratic Chairperson. Lifelong member and executive board president of the Chickaree Ridge Runners Snowmobile Club. Bob loved his farm, family and friends. He was an avid hunter, Steelers and NASCAR fan. Friends will be received from 4-9pm Wednesday at the Askew-Houser Funeral Homes, Inc., Nanty Glo where vigil prayer service will be held. Funeral Mass will be held at 2pm Thursday at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, Mundy’s Corner, the Rev. Andrew C. Stanko, celebrant. Committal, Forest Lawn Cemetery, Johnstown. Veterans memorial tribute will be held Wednesday at 5pm by the Korean Veterans Association Post 1. Military Rites will be held by Nanty Glo, Vintondale and Twin Rocks area veterans ritual team at 1:30pm Thursday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or to the charity of your choice.