Joseph Zrelak Jr., 72, of Russellton, West Deer Township, died Friday.

He was born on July 23, 1941, in West Deer to the late Joseph and Catherine (Rutkowski) Zrelak and lived in the area for most of his life.

He was a 1959 graduate of West Deer High School.

Joe enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving in Germany.

Upon returning to the United States, he went to work for the Bessemer and Lake Erie Railroad, working as a trackman for over 35 years.

He was a member of Transfiguration Roman Catholic Church, the American Legion and the Owls Club, all of Russellton. Joe enjoyed watching Penguin hockey, playing golf, bowling and doing crossword puzzles.

Survivors include his children, Joseph, Lewis and Patricia; his brother, Edward Zrelak, with whom he lived, and his sister, Joanne B. (Bernard) McKruit of Winfield.

Zrelak — The friends of Joseph Zrelak Jr., who died Friday, Jan. 17, 2014, will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. today at the SIWICKI-YANICKO FUNERALHOME, 23 McKrell Road, Russellton, West Deer Township. A blessing service will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. He will be buried in Transfiguration Church Cemetery near his parents.In lieu of flowers, contributions can be sent to the St. Vincent de Paul Society, C/O Transfiguration Church, 100 McKrell Road, Russellton, PA 15076.View the obituary online and leave condolences at www.siwicki-yanickofh.com.