Joseph Vincent Letko passed away on April 12, 2023. Joe was born on October 28, 1948, in Minersville, PA, the son of the late Joseph and Josephine Letko, he was the oldest of four siblings.

Joe leaves behind the love of his life, Virginia Letko, and his two children, Joseph Letko (his wife, Beth) and Amy Letko (partner, Jason Peduzzi) and 6 grandchildren which were the twinkle in his eye; Joe, Josh, Ryan, and Mack Letko and Storm and Paris Sivak. Joe also leaves behind his sister, Mary Ellen DiRenzo of Pottsville, PA along with numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by his brother, Ronald Letko and sister, Linda Duffy.

Joe loved being a pappy and enjoyed all stages of his grandchildren’s lives. He relished in the opportunity to watch his grandchildren explore and develop their own interests and always loved a good game of war in the back yard. Summers were always a time of exploration and discovery with pappy. The gang would play for hours and then meet by the fire to discuss the winning techniques. Eventually, through the cycle of life, he was more of a spectator and listener.

Joe was a beloved teacher and wrestling coach at Eisenhower High School for more than 30 years. He was truly passionate about teaching and coaching each one of his students, motivating and sculpting each student athlete to be the best they could be. He remembers each of his students he had during his teaching and coaching career and loved to run into them and talk about past memories. He had an unorthodox way of teaching and coaching that was ahead of his time that students will always remember.  His loud, booming voice will be heard in the gym and in the hallways of the school for many years.

Joe had a passion for literature. He read, recited, and memorized literary greats such as Wordsworth, Keats and Dickens. Daily quotations were an inspiration in the wrestling room and also family time around the dinner table. He always said, ‘To be happy is to be forever young!”

Joe was never one who liked to sit idle, so after retiring from EHS he started Letko’s Dam Water aulingHauling. …Hauling. Starting with a lime green 1976 firetruck, he was determined to enjoy his retirement, ultimately growing his hobby into a successful business that many people will remember for years to come. Joe loved to catch up with his regular customers and children often loved to come and watch him unload water with his trucks and hoses.

Joe will always be remembered for his positive attitude, his zest for life, outgoing personality, and favorite phrase (C’est La Vie), Such Is Life. Joe’s positive, go get ‘em attitude was infectious and inspiring to anyone who met him. He had the ability to make anyone feel welcome and comfortable. If you knew Joe Letko, you realized he was not a man that needed titles or past accomplishments to be remembered, Joe was simply your friend.

Friends may call on Tuesday May 16, 2023, from 1:00 to 3:00 pm, in The Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home Inc., 304 East St. Warren, PA. Memorial services will follow in the funeral home at 3:00 pm. A celebration of Joe’s life will Immediately follow at the Letko residence on Rhine Run Road in Russell, PA. Those wishing to place memorials may do so through the Warren Cancer Center c/o Warren General Hospital or Hospice of Warren County, 1 Main Ave. Warren, PA. E-mail condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com.