Obituary of Fr. John J. Palko

PALKO - Father John J., 63, Hollidaysburg, died Tuesday, May 31, 2005. He was born Aug. 4, 1941, in Altoona, son of the late Joseph A. Sr. and Genevieve (Melnick) Palko. Father Palko was pastor of St. Mary Catholic Church, Hollidaysburg, and former assistant pastor at Holy Name Catholic Church, Ebensburg. He previously served as pastor at St. Anthony, South Fork; St. Mary, Gallitzin; and St. John and St. Mary, Windber. He was a 1959 graduate of Altoona Area High School. A 1963 graduate of St. Francis College, and was ordained a priest on May 20, 1967. Father Palko was past chaplain of Knights of Columbus, Council 4245, Star of the Sea, Hollidaysburg, and was a 4th degree Knight and member of Father David J. Dodson Assembly 2201, Boswell. Surviving are two sisters, Veronica Kish, and husband, Albert, Pittsburgh, and sister, Maryann Palko of the Carmelite Community of the Word, Gallitzin; a brother, Joseph A. Jr., and wife, Charlotte, Florida; sister-in-law, Anna Palko, Pittsburgh; 11 nieces and nephews; two great-nieces; and long-time friend, Ethel Cunningham, Ebensburg. He was preceded in death by a brother, Paul J. Sr., in 1997. Transfer service will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday at St. Mary Catholic Church, Hollidaysburg, followed by a reception of friends until 9 p.m. Friends also will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the church. Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Mary Catholic Church, Hollidaysburg, by Bishop Joseph V. Adamec. Committal, SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Cemetery, Altoona. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Mary Catholic Church, Hollidaysburg, or Hollidaysburg Catholic School. Arrangements by Sorge Funeral Home, Hollidaysburg. www.sorgefuneralhome.com.