Joseph E. Penko, 69, of West Nanticoke, passed away unexpectedly Friday, April 28th at his home.

Born July 10, 1953 in Nanticoke, he was a son of Lillian Wiesneski Penko, and the late Edmund Penko. Joseph graduated from John S. Fine High School with the class of 1972 and, in the fall, enlisted with the U.S. Marine Corps. He served until 1974 and was honorably discharged with the rank of Corporal. Joe worked most of his life in construction as a union pipefitter for several contractors. He was last employed by McCarl's Industrial and Mechanical Construction, Muncy, PA until his retirement in 2020.

He was a member of St. Faustina Kowalska Parish; American Legion Post 350, Nanticoke and long-standing member of the Plumbers and Pipefitter's UA Local # 520, Harrisburg. He liked hunting and was an avid fan of Penn State football; as well as the Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles.

In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Samantha Penko on July 14, 2020; brothers, Edmund and Mark Penko; step-father, Joseph R. Yencha Sr. and father-in-law, William H. Kline.

He will be missed by his wife, the former Diana Kline, with whom he would have celebrated twenty-six years of marriage on July 11th; a daughter, Veronica; a son, Nate, both at home; his mother, Lillian Penko of Nanticoke; a brother, Robert Penko (Rosalind) of Hunlock Creek; sisters, Patricia Pipan (John) of Nanticoke; Linda Penko of Shickshinny; Christine Daylida of Alden; and Renee Amos (Ryan) of Alden; many nieces and nephews; his mother-in-law, Diana Kline; and brothers-in-law, James Kline (Ann); and William Kline (Roberta).

A Blessing Service will be held 10 a.m. Friday from Dinelli Family Funeral Home, 170 E. Broad Street, Nanticoke. Interment will follow in Edgehill Cemetery, West Nanticoke.

Viewing and visitation hours will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.