Joseph M. Kardos Sr. of Wheatland passed away at 1 a.m. Thursday, April 2, 2015, in the hospital of Sharon Regional Health System after a period of declining health. He was 89. Mr. Kardos was born Sept. 18, 1925, in Tom's Creek, Va., a son of Michael and Ethel Gargo Kardos. Moving to the area in the mid-1930s, he attended Wheatland Elementary Grade School and was a graduate of Farrell High School. He served with the Army during World War II in the European theatre and was the recipient of the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal and the World War II Victory Medal. He was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5286, Farrell; and American Legion Post 432, Wheatland. Joe retired on March 18, 1987, as plant manager of the former Shenango Valley Water Co., where he was employed for more than 40 years. He was a member of St. Anthony's Church and a former longtime member of Church of the Sacred Heart, both Sharon. He enjoyed building model wooden ships and spending time with his family, particularly his granddaughters and great-grandchildren, whom he adored. A loving husband, father and grandfather, he is survived by: his wife, the former Georgina "Gina" A. Flinn, whom he married Feb. 6, 1947; two sons, Joseph M. "Marty" Kardos Jr. and his wife Karolyn; and Paul M. Kardos and his wife Linda, all Hermitage; three granddaughters, Melanie Isaac and her husband Kevin; Nicole Kardos and her companion Edward Anderson; and Tiffany Kardos; two step-grandchildren, Mary Kathryn Rodgers and her husband Erik Selberg; and William A. Rodgers and his wife Nikkie; eight great-grandchildren, Caden, Tyler, Aubrianna, Laura Grace, John Henry, Charles Oliver, Max Alexander and Lily Cecelia; a brother, Charles Kardos, Wheatland; and several nieces and nephews. Joe was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Ethel Jones; and two brothers, Michael and Emory Kardos. Joe will be remembered as a kind and loving man who put others' needs before his own. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Wounded Warrior Project, 301 Grant St., Suite 900, Pittsburgh, PA 15219; or a charity of the donor's choice. Calling hours: 5 to 7 p.m. today (4-3-15) in J. BRADLEY McGONIGLE FUNERAL HOME Inc., 1090 E. State St. Sharon. Service: Due to Holy Week, a funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday (4-4-15) in St. Anthony's Church, Sharon, with the Rev. Joseph Campbell, pastor, officiating. Interment: St. Mary's Cemetery, Hermitage, with military honors rendered by the West Middlesex VFW, Wheatland American Legion and Farrell VFW Honor Guard.