Joseph Vasko
Funeral services for Joseph Vasko were conducted on March 17, 2025, at New Hebron Baptist Church, with Rev. Andy Fullington officiating. Interment with full military honors, provided by the United States Navy Honor Guard, were held March 18 at the Alabama State Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spanish Fort, Ala. Mr. Vasko, 83, entered into the eternal rest of his Lord on March 12 at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Jackson. Saulters Moore Funeral Home was entrusted with arrangements.
Pallbearers included Mike Verinder, Austin Williamson, Brooks Roberts, Sambo Nuckles, Dean Banks, and Ronnie Chavis. Randy Shivers, Bobby Lee, and Caleb Verinder served as honorary pallbearers.
Mr. Vasko was born on June 24, 1941, to Jerry and Eunice Dana Vasko in Boise, Idaho, and as he proudly proclaimed, “raised just off the Fish River in Fairhope, Alabama.” He exhibited a strong work ethic as a young boy, earning the meager sum of 50 cents a day working weekends as a “chicken plucker” for a neighbor couple on their farm. In addition, he also gained experience winding copper at the Vasko Motor Company. This early experience laid a foundation for his lifelong career as an electrician, which he began after completing his military service.
A true patriot, Mr. Vasko enlisted in the United States Navy, rising to the rank of E-5. Following his honorable discharge, he embraced his vocation as an electrician with the paper mill, starting in Fairhope before eventually moving with his young family to New Hebron. There, he worked for many years at the St. Regis Paper Company, contributing his skills to the community he loved.
Throughout his life, Joe found immense joy in his family and in nurturing the younger generation. Known affectionately as “Smokin’ Joe,” he coached boys softball, instilling values of teamwork and sportsmanship in the youth he mentored. His love for family was also mirrored in his passions, as he cultivated delicious peaches and maintained a large garden, sharing the fruits of his labor with neighbors. Joe also enjoyed hunting and fishing, and he was passionate about his beloved Alabama Crimson Tide.
Mr. Vasko was a faithful member of New Hebron Baptist Church, where he served as deacon, former Royal Ambassadors youth leader, and team member on several missions trips.
Mr. Vasko was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia L. Vasko; his parents, Jerry and Eunice Vasko; and his brother, Robert Vasko.
His memory will forever be cherished by his daughters, Joanie Vasko Verinder (Mike), of Allen, Texas; Donna Vasko Roberts (the late Redmond), of Canton; grandchildren, Cammie Jo Williamson (Austin), Brooks Michael Roberts (Kayla), Caleb Riley Verinder; great-granddaughter, Harper Kay Roberts; sisters, Barbara Kostelecky, Carolyn Kostelecky, both of Silver Hill, Ala.; Lillian Dittman, of Fairhope, Ala.; Jo Ann Bridges, of Birmingham, Ala.; and Mildred Easterling, of Euless, Texas; and brothers, Jack Vasko, of Lucedale; Jimmy Vasko, of Elberta, Ala.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the New Hebron Baptist Church building fund, www.newhebronbc.org.
