Born January 8, 1927, he was the son of the late Peter and Alice Parko.
He was married to Maxine M. (Duck) Parko, who survives at home, on November 23, 1952 at the Woodland Methodist Church
he is also survived by two daughters, Catherine Hayes and her husband Joseph of Chester Hill, Robin Parko and her companion Ray Beam of Pleasant Gap; a son, Jeffery Parko and his wife Robin of Lafayette, CO; and two grandchildren.
He was the last of his generation.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Nellie J. Turner, and his four brothers Harold, Gerald, Norman, and Russell Parko.
He was a graduate of Philipsburg High School and had his own masonry business for over 60 years.
He was a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church of Philipsburg, where he served on many of the church boards and was a Sunday school teacher and youth group leader for a number of years. He is well known for his homemade apple sauce served at many church dinners.
He was a veteran of the United States Navy during WWII.
He was a member and past Master of the F&AM Moshannon Lodge #391, a member of the Williamsport Consistory Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of Free Masonry, member of Jaffa Shrine of Altoona, member & past High Priest of the Clearfield Royal Arch Chapter #228, member and past thrice Illustrious Master of Moshannon Council #56 Royal and Select Master Masons, member and past Commander of Mountain Commandery #10, member of Penn Priory #6 Knights of the York Cross of Honour, member of the Order of the Silver Trowel, and a member of the BPOE Lodge #1173.
He was a charter member of the NCT Campers Association and served as the Chaplin for many years.
He was an avid fisherman.
A celebration of life will be held at the Trinity United Methodist Church, 121 S. Front St., Philipsburg, on Monday, November 29, 2010 at 2:00 pm with Reverend Brenda K. Leigey officiating followed by Military honors conducted by the Moshannon Valley Independent Honor Guard. Burial will be in Philipsburg Cemetery.
Friends will be received at the David K. Dahlgren Funeral Home, 228 N. Centre St. Philipsburg, on Sunday, November 28, 2010 from 2-4pm and 6-9pm. A Masonic memorial service will be held at 7:00 pm on Sunday, November 28, 2010 at the funeral home
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to: Trinity United Methodist Church, c/o Roof Project, PO Box 465, Philipsburg, PA 16866 or to F&AM Moshannon Lodge #391, Attn: John Warsing, PO Box 206, Philipsburg, PA 16866.
Online condolences may be made at www.dahlgrenfuneralhome.com