Obituary of Joseph Menko

Joseph J. Menko, 96, husband of Josephine (Krol) Menko, passed away on Tuesday, July 9, 2013, at Middlesex Hospital. Son of the late John and Katie Menko. He was born in Windsor Locks and grew up in Warehouse Point. He was employed at Pratt & Whitney Aircraft for 44 years retiring in 1979. In 1936, along with his brothers Tony and John, Joe played the accordion in their polka band, playing mostly in Northern CT, Western MA, Long Island and PA. From 1949 thru 1977 the band was known as "The Johnny Menko Orchestra". After John's retirement as band leader, Joe took over those duties. The band was renamed "The Menko Ochestra". During World War II, Joe enlisted in the US Marine Corp. He attended rocket school became a "Bazooka Joe". He was a corporal and an Iwa Jima survivor. In addition to his wife of 66 years, he is survived by his son Robert Menko and wife Theresa of Whatley, MA, daughter Marilyn Longo and husband Michael of Glastonbury, 4 grandchildren Robert, Chrissie and Joseph Menko and Jessica Jarvis, 4 great-granddaughters Sarah Alexandria, Jillian and Piper , 3 step grandchildren Michelene, Marjorie and David Longo and 2 step great-grandchildren Sofia & Mario and a sister Frances Martini of Windsor Locks. He is predeceased by 2 brothers John and Anthony Menko and son-in-law Larry Hamlin. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Monday, July 15 at 10:00 a.m. in Saint Augustine Church, 55 Hopewell Road, South Glastonbury. Interment will follow in Saint Augustine Cemetery with military honors. Friends may call at Mulryan Funeral Home, 725 Hebron Ave. Glastonbury. Sunday, July 14, from 5 to 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Glastonbury Fire Dept. Co. 3, 905 Main Street, South Glastonbury, CT 06073.