Blasko, Edward J.......Published in the Times News on 8/7/2008..

Edward J. Blasko, 85, of East Phillips St., Coaldale, died Wednesday (September 6) in the Hometown Nursing Center, Tamaqua. He was the husband of Catherine A. "Kay" (Purcell) Blasko.

Prior to retiring in 1989, he had been employed by the former Ridge Center, Lansford, for 42 years.

A veteran of World War II, he served with the U.S. Army's 11th Airborne Division, as a paratrooper, in the South Pacific Theater.

Born in Coaldale, he was a son of the late Joseph M. and Julia (Krajcovic) Blasko.

He was a life member of SS. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church, Coaldale, where he served as an usher; treasurer of the festival committee; and was a past president, treasurer and secretary for both the Holy Name Society and the St. Vincent dePaul Society.

A life member of the Coaldale VFW, where he served as Past Commander, Past Secretary, Past Treasurer and Past District Commander, he was also a member of the Coaldale American Legion; and was a committee member of the Coaldale WWII Memorial, having the honor of laying the wreath at the memorial's dedication.

A graduate of the former Coaldale High School, he attended the former SS. Cyril and Methodius Catholic School.

Surviving, in addition to his wife, are two sons, Bernard and his wife, Linda, of Whitehall, and Marc of Coaldale; three daughters, Marge and her husband John LaRizzio of Pottsville, Amy Blasko of Emmaus and Paula Blasko of Coaldale; a sister, Agnes Negri of Coaldale; two grandchildren; and two great grandchildren.

The August M. Gulla Funeral Home, 130 E. Ridge St., Coaldale, is in charge of arrangements.