Joseph W. Yankalunas, 88, of Dushore, passed away on Sunday, January 28, 2024, at his home.
Born April 22, 1935, in Kingston, he was the eldest of six children of William and Mary (Kester) Yankalunas. He graduated from Luzerne High School, Luzerne, class of 1952.
He enlisted in the US Marine Corps. Reserve in 1953 and was an active Reservist for 4 years. He received an Honorable Discharge from the Marine Corp. in 1961. Joe was a trooper with the Pennsylvania State Police for over 33 years, retiring in 1990. He graduated from the State Police Training School during 1957 and was assigned to the Turnpike Division for 10 years. He was then transferred to Troop P, Wyoming and then assigned to Dushore where he served for 23 years. Since his retirement he remained employed part-time as a Special Deputy with the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Dept. for 10 years.
Joe married the former Elizabeth “Tootie” Randall of Dushore on February 7, 1970. They had one son, Eric.
Joe enjoyed many things in life, but his favorite was always music. He was a musician and played the drums with the popular group “The Polka Hops” for over 22 years.
He will be remembered by those who knew him as a dedicated family man who devoted his life to the care and welfare of his loved ones, most especially his parents and siblings ever since he was a young man and then his wife and son until he died.
Joe was a member of St. Basil’s Catholic Church, Dushore, since 1970. During this time, he was very active in numerous church affairs and social functions while his health permitted. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police, Frank Albert Memorial Lodge 43, Wyoming, Pa.
Surviving is his wife Elizabeth “Tootie” of Dushore; his son Eric, with whom he resided; sisters and brothers-in-law, Anita of Vestal, NY, Margaret and Richard Walke, of Plains; brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Regina Yankalunas, of Salisbury, Md., as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, February 2, 2024 at 11 a.m. at St. Basil’s Church, 101 Churchill Street, Dushore, with Rev. Thomas J. Major officiating. Burial will follow in the adjoining parish cemetery. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the McCarty-Thomas Funeral Home, 119 Carpenter St, Dushore, Pa.
Memorial contributions may be made in Joseph’s name to St. Basil’s Church, PO Box 307, Dushore, PA 18614, or to the American Legion Loyalsock Post 996, 224 Bernice Road, Dushore, PA 18614.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at mccartythomas.com.
