Joseph Michael Chyko, age 69, of Beaver Valley, passed away peacefully on Saturday morning, April 12, 2014 at his home with his family at his side.
Shortly after retirement, Joseph was diagnosed with Glioblastoma Multiforme, an aggressive form of brain cancer. From day one, he accepted his diagnosis without complaint. Every day he fought with dignity, faith and unstoppable perseverance. He was a kind man who touched the lives of those around him. Joseph lived his faith and showed it through his actions.
Joseph was born on Saturday, June 24, 1944 in Bloomsburg, a son of the late Joseph and Stella (Winseck) Chyko. He graduated from the Bloomsburg High School in 1962. Joseph continued his education at the Catholic University in Washington D.C. before transferring to Kings College in Wilkes-Barre where he graduated with a degree in Economics.
On November 11, 1972, Joseph married the former, Elizabeth Varner of Hazleton. For over 43 years, he was employed as a union carpenter before retiring in 2011. He was an active member of the St. Columba Catholic Parish, and served as a former member of the Parish Council. He was also a member of the Beaver Township Rod & Gun Club and the Beaver Twp. Historical Society. Joseph loved spending time outdoors hunting and fishing. He also enjoyed gardening and woodworking, but most of all; he loved spending time with his family and friends.
Surviving is his beloved wife of 41 years, Elizabeth (Varner) Chyko, of Beaver Valley; four children: Joseph M. Chyko, Jr. and wife, Jessica, of Bloomsburg; Jeffrey M. Chyko and wife, Dannielle, of Palmer, AK; Jennifer Cable and husband, Matthew, of Canonsburg, PA; and Christine Chyko of Bloomsburg; eleven grandchildren: Gabriella, Nathaniel, Alexander, Grace, Adrianna, Benjamin, Stella, Hope, Savilla, Samantha and Josiah; and also by three sisters: Pauline Kurian and husband, Raymond, of Cape May, NJ; Charlotte Kurian and husband, Frank; and Katherine Kurian and husband, Gerald, both of Bloomsburg.
The Chyko family expresses their sincere gratitude to Dr. Stephen Toms, Dr. Scott Turner, Angela Whitmire, Lynn Belles and Penny Kaiser for their compassionate care.
A time of Visitation for family and friends will be held on Tuesday evening, April 15 from 6 to 8 p.m. from the Allen Funeral Home, Inc., 745 Market at Eighth Street, Bloomsburg. A Wake service will begin on Tuesday evening at 8 p.m. from the funeral home.
A Mass of Christian Burial will begin on Wednesday morning, April 16 at 10 a.m. from the St. Columba Catholic Church, 342 Iron and Third St., Bloomsburg with Monsignor Robert E. Lawrence, as celebrant. Graveside committal services will immediately follow in the New Rosemont Cemetery, Espy. The Allen Funeral Home, Inc., Bloomsburg is honored to be serving the Chyko family.
Memorial contributions in Joseph's honor are suggested to: Unbound (formerly CFCA), 1 Elmwood Ave., Kansas City, KS 66103 OR the St. Columba Catholic Church, 342 Iron St., Bloomsburg, PA 17815.