Joseph Bernard Halechko Jr., beloved father, pop, 78, of Packer Twp., Weatherly, passed away Sunday in Lehigh Valley Hospital-Hazleton.

Born Saturday, Nov. 3, 1945, in Hazleton, the son of the late Joseph Bernard Halechko Sr. and Helen (Salko) Halechko.

Joe was also predeceased by his wife, Patricia (Tulay) Halechko; grandchildren, Kennedy Ava Halechko and Landin Fisher; and brothers, Michael and Dana Halechko.

Surviving are his son, Joseph Halechko and his wife, Becky; daughters, Lisa Moran, wife of Michael; Michelle Gower, wife of Michael; Jennifer Barnes, wife of Jeff; Kelly Jean Halechko and her fiancé, Ed Flaim; and Ashley Halechko and her fiancé, Adam Fisher; grandchildren, Dante, Brielle, Morgan, Michael Gower Jr., Michael Moran Jr., Carisa, Bristol, Riley, Carlisle, Kaileigh; great-grandchildren, Jacob, Cayden and Dylan.

A 1964 graduate of Hazleton High School, Joe served honorably in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. Continuing his patriotism, Joe worked for Tobyhanna Army Depot as a radar technician for 27 years. He held memberships in the Hazleton American Legion, AMVETS of White Haven, and VFW of Beaver Meadows. He was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church, Weatherly. Joe was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed the companionship of his dog, Max. "Little Joe,” his friends would call him, enjoyed daily breakfast gatherings with his buddies at Antonio’s. He enjoyed picnics and events with his family, especially his grandchildren.