Matthews, NC - Formerly of Maybrook, NY

Joseph Patrick Protsko, a resident of Matthews, NC, and formerly of Maybrook, NY passed away unexpectedly at home on Friday, March 23, 2018. He was 84 years of age.

Joe was born March 18, 1934, to the late Joseph and Bridget Protsko. He was predeceased by his sister, Marie Protsko, and his granddaughter, Larissa Ann Boyce.

Joe proudly served in the United States Navy as an Aviation Boatswain Mate 2nd Class aboard the USS Coral Sea during the Korean War. He also served in the U.S. Army Reserves as a Staff Sergeant. His military service allowed him to join the local VFW where he rose through the ranks to the level of Post Commander VFW 2064 in Maybrook, NY.

He was also involved in the Maybrook Fire Department holding the positions of Lieutenant and Captain of the Fire Police Division.

Joe’s love for his faith and God enabled him to share with others thru his service with the Knights of Columbus Assumption Council, He was elected to the position of Grand Knight by his fellow Knights of Columbus which he held with honor.

Joe is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Jean Protsko, and his children: Paula (Tom) Smith of Matthews, NC, Brian (Cheryl) Protsko of So. Kortright, NY, Gregory (Christine) Protsko of Shohola, PA, Richard (Robin) Protsko of Campbell Hall, NY, Edward (Helene) Protsko of Maybrook, NY, Joan (John) Harrington of Walden, NY, Christine Howard of Charlotte, NC and Susan Protsko also of Charlotte, NC. He has 21 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by his extended family of his sister, Beatrice Anderson of Manhattan, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins. Joe loved his time with his family, and let’s just say a family get-together was never just a small gathering but one he wouldn’t trade for anything. They always put a smile on his face.