In Memory of Joseph Demko

Obituary

Utica – Joseph Demko, 86, of Utica, passed away peacefully at St. Elizabeth Medical Center on November 25, 2018.

He was born March 4, 1932, in Watervliet, NY, a son of Nicholas and Julia (Motyka) Demko. Joe and his family moved to the Utica area while he was a child. He attended Utica Public schools, and joined the U.S. Navy prior to graduating from the former Utica Free Academy. He served his country during the height of the Korean War, from 1949 until 1953, at which time he received his honorable discharge.

Mr. Demko was married to Virginia Marie Glab on August 30, 1952, in Portsmouth, VA. The couple was married for nearly 59 years at the time of Mrs. Demko’s passing on August 15, 2011.

Joe retired from the Utica Fire Department where he served as a firefighter for over twenty years. He was proud of his service to the people of the city of Utica.

Survivors include his children, Joseph Demko of Poulsbo, WA, John Demko and his wife, Christine, of Deerfield, Donna Kogut of Stittville, Jeffrey Demko and his wife, Marlene, of Tampa, FL, James Demko of Frankfort, Cathleen Collier and her husband, William, of FL, and David Demko and his wife, Cathy, of Queensbury; six grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. In addition to his wife, he was predeceased by a brother, Alex, and a sister, Ann; a son-in-law, James Kogut; and a sister-in-law, Phyllis Sobolewski.

Calling hours will be Thursday from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. at Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral and Cremation Services, 1123 Court Street, Utica, NY. Private services will be at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation in Joe’s memory to the Utica Professional Firefighters Association, 29 Shepherd Place, Utica, NY 13502.