Obituary of Joseph Homko

Joseph C. Homko, 82, of Oxford NJ, died Friday January 15, 2010 in Warren Hospital. Joe was born in East Allen Twp PA, March 28, 1927. He was the son of the late Joseph and Mary Gulkewycz Homko. At age 16 Joe joined the US Army where he was the youngest ever know to enlist, 16 years 3 months, until a recent discovery of another younger soldier. Joe was a proud member of the A513th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 17th Airborne Division with whom he met annually to maintain the comradery they developed many years ago. Joe also served an additional stint in the US Navy, where he witnessed the conclusion of the WW II in Japan, as part of the occupational force. After the war Joe went to work as a mechanic for Roy Burd Chrysler in Washington, NJ. Subsequently, he went to work for Picatinny Arsenal in Dover, NJ. While there he apprenticed as a tool and die maker and through service and performance he eventually progressed into engineering. Joe held several patents during his 25 plus years of service at Picatinny Arsenal. Joe concluded his career as an entrepreneur operating Homko Machine and Tool until his passing. Joe was a member of Mansfield Lodge #36 of the F&AM in Washington, NJ. He enjoyed Camping, Hunting, Fishing, Flea Markets, & "Ball Room Dancing". Surviving Joe are is wife of 59 years Winona (Winnie)Jones Homko, a son Joseph and his wife Sandra of York PA, 2 daughters Victoria J. Piccotti and her husband Albert of Martins Creek PA and Lori Homko of Easton PA, a sister Mary Lawyer of Hackettstown NJ and 3 grandchildren. Joe was proceded in death by a brother Steven. Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday at 11 AM in the DeVoe Funeral Service 136 West Washington Ave, Washington NJ 07882, Family and friends may call Tuesday from 10 AM till time of service. Burial will follow in the Hillside Cemetery, Oxford NJ. Online condolences may be expressed at www.devoefuneral.com Memorials to the American Cancer Society Northwest NJ Region - Cedar Knolls 7 Ridgedale Ave, Suite 103 Cedar Knolls NJ