Joseph Eugene Leshko

Joseph Eugene Leshko, 77, of Branch Twp. Died Saturday, January 4, 2025 in his home. He was born August 8,1947, a son of the late John and Anna (Sinko) Leshko. He was the widower of Dolores Anne (Kowalchick) Leshko. Joe was a 1965 graduate of Minersville Area Joint High School. He joined the US Army and served three years, of which sixteen months were during the Vietnam war in the cities of Ban Me Thuot, Saigon, Nha Trang, Ben Thuy and Cam Rahn Bay, where he worked in communications with microwave radio. He was wounded during an enemy ambush and he declined the purple heart for his injuries. He was Honorably discharged as a Sergeant from his last base in Fort Riley Kansas in 1969. On May 24, 1969 he married his best friend, since they were 4 years old, Dolores Kowalchick, and remained married for 45 years until her passing in 2014. Together they raised three children Michaeline, Jeremy and Martina. He was a hard worker and good provider. Putting family first and always putting their needs before his own. Joseph was the caregiver to his wife during the time of illness before her death in January of 2014. A man of strong faith and a life-long member of Ss. Peter and Paul Byzantine Catholic Church of Minersville, and of the Greek Catholic Union. He was a devoted church goer who was possibly self-appointed with ringing of the bells from the choir during many masses throughout the years. A job he took very seriously. During the pandemic, he took to the internet to “attend” mass weekly to a few churches that would broadcast their services online. As a grandfather, he beamed with pride watching his grandchildren achieve their many accomplishments on and off the field. He enjoyed attending all the baseball, football, and soccer games to cheer them on. He went by many names: Joe, Dad, Pappy, Pop and Poppy. We will miss his stories of yesteryear and history lessons, even if his recollections weren’t always historically accurate. He had the presence of a giant with a heart of gold. Always willing to help anyone in need. His “bark” was far worse than his bite. Everyone who knew Joe, and he knew everyone, whether it was from work, buddies from “back in the day” or from casual meetings on the street or in the grocery store, probably has a good story or two tell about him. Frequently found at Tony’s Market for their lunch specials on almost a daily basis. He was treated like family by Tony, and “his girls” who lovingly called him Papa Joe. The only thing Joe liked more than eating a good baked treat, was giving them to family and friends. He was a generous giver of his baking, often recruiting his daughter Michaeline and son Jeremy as his assistants. His signature paska bread, nutrolls and a variety of cakes are well known around town. His children have vowed to him to keep baking his favorites and carrying on the traditions to pass down to the next generation. In addition to his parents and his wife, Dolores, he was preceded in death by a brother John Leshko.  He is survived by his daughters, Michaeline Matz, and Martina, wife of Ryan Buffington, a son, Jeremy Leshko. Brothers Michael and Charles Leshko. His sisters, AnnMarie Yacobacci and Julianne Yesalusky. Grandchildren; Elizabeth, Madeline, Julia, Colby, Harmon, Charlotte, and Nathan, as well as a Great grandchild Nilsa.  Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews including his god-child,Christopher Leshko. All are respectfully invited to attend a Visitation from 6:00 to 8:00 pm on Monday, January 13, at the Mahal-Ritzel Funeral Home Inc. The Office of Christan Burial with Divine Liturgy will be celebrated 10:00 am Tuesday the 14th at Ss. Peter & Paul Byzantine Catholic Church, Minersville, with the Very Reverend Gregory J. Noga celebrant. Interment with Military Honors Indiantown Gap National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family requests donation made in Joe’s name to Ss. Peter & Paul Memorial Fund. Mahal-Ritzel Funeral Home Inc., Minersville entrusted with the arrangements.

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