Mass of Christian burial will be Saturday for John L. Palko of Farrell, who passed away at 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 19, 2015, in UPMC Horizon, Farrell, after an extended illness. He was 85. Mr. Palko was born June 2, 1929, in Farrell, a son of John J. and Helen K. Sherlock Palko. A lifelong Farrell resident, he attended the former St. Ann's Parochial Grade School, where he played the clarinet in the school band under the direction of Sam Campagna and was the recipient of the American Legion award. He was a 1947 graduate of Farrell High School, where he played in the band and was a member of the gymnastics team. He attended what was then California (Pa.) State Teachers College for a year and Penn State University, State College, for two years. He received his bachelor's degree in business administration, with a minor in business and accounting, from Youngstown State University in 1959. He served in the Army as a chief radio operator in Korea during the Korean War and was honorably discharged in 1952. He was employed for 34 years in the accounting department of the former Sharon Transformer Division of Westinghouse Electric Corp. and retired in 1984 as a senior accounting analyst. He was a member of Westinghouse Clerks Association. John also was a member of Our Lady of Fatima- St. Ann Church, Farrell, and was an active member of the former St. Ann Church, also Farrell, where he was an usher and altar server for many years. He was a member and past Grand Knight of Knights of Columbus, Council 4003, Farrell. He was a lifetime member of the Slovak Home, Farrell, where he was honored for 50 years of service as the recording secretary and financial secretary. John served as city councilman and deputy mayor for 15 years in Farrell. He was a member and former assistant Scout master for Boy Scouts of America, Troop 27, and was a member of Hickory Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6166, Hermitage. He enjoyed fishing with his sons, golfing, bowling, softball and billiards. His wife of 58 years, the former Helen Patricia Valent, whom he married Aug. 22, 1953, in the former St. Ann Church, Farrell, passed away Nov. 24, 2011. Surviving are: two sons, Brian John Palko, Grove City; and Gary Michael Palko, Farrell; a grandson, Jacob Kevin Palko; a sister, Marlene Cerbus, Hermitage; sisters- and brothers-in-law, Marcella Palko, Farrell; George and D'Nelle Valent, Vienna, Ohio; Joseph and Julie Chaky, Warren, Ohio; Susan Bouslough, Brookfield; and Jerry and Rose Johnson, Warrenton, Va.; and several nieces and nephews. Besides his wife and his parents, John was preceded in death by his son, John K. Palko; a brother, Donald Palko; a daughter-in-law, Donna Palko; and a brother- and sister-in-law, Joseph and Mary Koenig. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Our Lady of Fatima-St. Ann Church, 601 Roemer Blvd., Farrell, PA 16121. Calling hours: 4 to 7 p.m. today (5-22-15) in J. BRADLEY McGONIGLE FUNERAL HOME and CREMATORY Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon. Service: Mass of Christian burial at 10:30 a.m. Saturday (5- 23-15) in Our Lady of Fatima-St. Ann Church, Farrell, with the Rev. Donald E. Berdis, pastor, as celebrant. Interment: St. Ann Cemetery, Hermitage, with military honors.