Joseph G. Blasko Sr., 82, of Butler, died at 4:45 a.m. Friday at Butler Memorial Hospital.

Born April 20, 1924, in Butler, he was the son of George J. and Mary Fetzko Blasko.

A veteran of World War II, he served in the Navy. He was employed at Butler Armco in the inspection department, retiring in February 1986, after 43 years of service.

He was a member of St. Michael the Archangel RomanCatholic Church, and was a member the 55 and Alive Club, the Bereavement Group, and was also a Eucharistic minister atSt. Michael.

Mr. Blasko was a life-long member of VFW Post 249, and was an avid hunter and fisherman.

Surviving are his wife, Margaret M. "Marge" Yamnitsky Blasko, to whom he was married for 59 years; two sons, Joseph G. BlaskoJr. of Butler, and Robert S. Blasko of Howell, Mich.; a daughter, Mrs. Kenneth (Georgiana)Toy of Kittanning; two sisters, Martha Vavro, and Mrs.Robert (Eleanor) Olmsted, all of Butler; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by two sisters.

<B>BLASKO SR.</B> — Friends of Joseph G. Blasko Sr., who died Friday, March 23, 2007, will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday at <B>Martin Funeral Home</B>, 429 Center Ave.A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday at St. Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church with the Rev. James Dolan, pastor, officiating.The Bereavement Group of St. Michael the Archangel Parish will meet at 3 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home to conduct a scriptural wake service.Military honors at the cemetery will be accorded by VFW Post 249.Information also is available at www.martinfh.net.