Michael G. Karkoska

   Michael G. Karkoska, 71, of Lakeville, Pa., died Sunday, Aug. 27.
   Born in Jessup, Pa., on April 3, 1935, he was the son of the late Michael and Mary Petrillo Karkoska. He was a graduate of Hawley High School. Prior to retirement he had been employed as a union Mason in New Jersey. He was a member of St Mary’s R.C. Church, Ledgedale, Pa. As a young boy his parents moved from Jessup to a farm in Lakeville, Pa.
   After high school he moved to New Jersey to begin his career as a Stone Mason. He and his wife lived in Jamesburg for 45 years before returning to Pennsylvania in 2002. He was a charter member and past exalted ruler of BPO Elks Lodge 2180 and a member of the St. James Knights of Columbus Council 6336 in Jamesburg. He also enjoyed hunting, playing cards and spending time with his family.
   He is survived by his wife Evelyn; son Paul and his wife, Rose, of Jamesburg; a daughter, Michele and her husband, George Blandino, of Bridgewater; sister-in-law, Judy Sochoka of Greenfield Township, Pa.; grandchildren, Amanda and Nicholas Karkoska, Jennifer and Michael Blandino; a niece and a nephew, Jay and Lynn Sochoka; and many cousins.
   A Mass of Christian Burial was held Aug. 31 at St. Mary’s Church, St. Mary’s Road, Ledgedale, Pa., and was concelebrated by the Rev. Stanley Jarosz from Holy Trinity Church, Helmetta, and the Rev. Phil Altavilla from St Thomas More/St Mary’s Church, Lake Ariel, Pa. Friends were invited to call the day before the funeral at the James Wilson Funeral Home, Rt 296, Gravity Road, Lake Ariel, Pa. Interment was held at St John’s Cemetery, Throop, Pa. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1101 Hill St., Jessup, PA 18434, or St Mary’s Church, P.O. Box 188, Lake Ariel, PA 18436. For directions or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.jameswilsonfuneralhome.com.