Joseph F. O'Polka
January 28, 1923 ~ October 30, 2009
Joseph F. O'Polka, 86, of 1282 Mercer Road, Franklin, a World War II veteran, died at 4:50 a.m. Friday, Oct. 30, 2009, at SugarCreek Station. Born Jan. 28, 1923, in Franklin, he was the son of the late John and Dora Dragon O'Polka. He attended St. Patrick School of Franklin and graduated from Franklin High School in 1940. Mr. O'Polka was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II and served as a radio technician, first class, from 1943- 1946. He received the Pacific Theater Ribbon, American Theater Ribbon, Victory Medal, and the Philippine Liberation Star. He was married on Aug. 4, 1951, to the former Geraldine "Tweetie" Rice, who survives. Mr. O'Polka owned and operated Joe O'Polka T.V. Sales & Service for more than 45 years. He worked for Young Brothers Electronics for eight years and taught television repair. He was a member of St. Patrick Church. He enjoyed golf and bowling and loved to watch the Pirates. He also managed Little League. Surviving in addition to his wife are a son, John Andrew O'Polka and his wife, Phyllis, of Franklin; two daughters, Janice O'Polka of Pittsburgh and Jennifer D'Elia and her husband, Dante of Shaler Township; and four grandchildren, Christine O'Polka of Meadville, Joseph N. O'Polka of Franklin, David and Nathaniel Kiger, both of Pittsburgh. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Jeffrey D. O'Polka; an infant daughter, Jane Louise O'Polka; two brothers, Andrew and Alex O'Polka; and five sisters, Katherine O'Polka, Frances O'Polka, Julia Healey, Helen O'Polka, and Mary Heydrick. Friends will be received from 7 to 9 p.m. today and from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday at the Gardinier Funeral Home, Inc., 1315 Chestnut St., Franklin. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday in the funeral home with the Rev. Johnny Pennington of the Congress Hill Church of God presiding. Interment will follow at Lupher Chapel Cemetery. The family suggests memorials be made to the Venango County Humane Society, Franklin Salvation Army, or Congress Hill Church of God. On-line condolences may be sent to the family at www. gardininerfuneralhome.com.
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I was very sorry to read of your Dad’s passing. I knew the eyes and smile as soon as I looked at the picture, and expeienced a lot of warm and happy memories. May your warm and happy memories bring you some comfort during this difficult time.
love, Donna