Joseph W. Filko

Joseph Filko, 94, of Bethlehem Township, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 26, 2014. His loving wife of 38 years, Helen (Nemeth) Filko, passed away in 2004. Born in Springtown, Bucks County, he was the son of the late Andrew and Mary Filko. His youth years were spent working on the family farm. He was employed as a Brakeman for PBNE Railroad in the Bethlehem Steel, Mack Trucks and Gutshall Chevrolet.

Joe was drafted into the Army in 1941 and was stationed at Fort Belvoir as a member of 803rd Corps of Engineers. During WWII he was stationed in the Philippines for seven months before being wounded and captured by the Japanese on Corregidor. Surviving the Bataan Death March, he was held prisoner of war for 3 years. He was a recipient of a Purple Heart and Bronze Star. After the war, Joe returned home to the Lehigh Valley and married Helen Nemeth in 1946. He played semi-pro soccer and had a tryout for the Philadelphia Athletics. Joe enjoyed gardening, hunting, bowling, golf and traveling. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and previously, St. John Capistrano Catholic Church.

He will be dearly missed by his son, Gary Filko and his wife, Linda of Coopersburg; grandchildren, Jennifer Filko and Brian Filko and his wife, Danielle as well as his loving extended family. Joe was preceded in death by his brothers, James and Stephen Filko.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, September 30, 2014 from 10-11 AM with a service to immediately follow at 11 AM at The Connell Funeral Home, 245 E. Broad St. Bethlehem, PA 18018. Interment with military honors will be held at Holy Saviour.

Memorial contributions may be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church 1817 First St. Bethlehem, PA 18020.

Cemetery
Holy Saviour Cemetery
2575 Linden St.
Bethlehem PA 18017
US

Viewing
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
The Connell Funeral Home
245 E. Broad St.
Bethlehem PA 18018
US
610-868-8531

Service
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
11:00 AM
Connell Funeral Home, Inc.
245 East Broad St.
Bethlehem PA 18018
US
610-868-8531

Funeral HomeConnell Funeral Home, Inc.
245 East Broad St.
Bethlehem PA - 18018
US
610-868-8531