Joseph Vincent Letko passed away on April 12, 2023. Joe was born on October 28, 1948, in Minersville, PA, the son of the late Joseph and Josephine Letko, he was the oldest of four siblings. Joe leaves behind the love of his life, Virginia Letko, and his two children, Joseph Letko (his wife, Beth) and Amy Letko (partner, Jason Peduzzi) and 6 grandchildren which were the twinkle in his eye; Joe, Josh, Ryan, and Mack Letko and Storm and Paris Sivak. Joe also leaves behind his sister, Mary Ellen DiRenzo of Pottsville, PA along with numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by his brother, Ronald Letko and sister, Linda Duffy.
Joe loved being a pappy and enjoyed all stages of his grandchildren’s lives. He relished in the opportunity to watch his grandchildren explore and develop their own interests and always loved a good game of war in the back yard. Summers were always a time of exploration and discovery with pappy. The gang would play for hours and then meet by the fire to discuss the winning techniques. Eventually, through the cycle of life, he was more of a spectator and listener.
Joe was a beloved teacher and wrestling coach at Eisenhower High School for more than 30 years. He was truly passionate about teaching and coaching each one of his students, motivating and sculpting each student athlete to be the best they could be. He remembers each of his students he had during his teaching and coaching career and loved to run into them and talk about past memories. He had an unorthodox way of teaching and coaching that was ahead of his time that students will always remember. His loud, booming voice will be heard in the gym and in the hallways of the school for many years.
Joe had a passion for literature. He read, recited, and memorized literary greats such as Wordsworth, Keats and Dickens. Daily quotations were an inspiration in the wrestling room and also family time around the dinner table. He always said, ‘To be happy is to be forever young!”
Joe was never one who liked to sit idle, so after retiring from EHS he started Letko’s Dam Water Hauling. Starting with a lime green 1976 firetruck, he was determined to enjoy his retirement, ultimately growing his hobby into a successful business that many people will remember for years to come. Joe loved to catch up with his regular customers and children often loved to come and watch him unload water with his trucks and hoses.
Joe will always be remembered for his positive attitude, his zest for life, outgoing personality, and favorite phrase (C’est La Vie), Such Is Life. Joe’s positive, go get ‘em attitude was infectious and inspiring to anyone who met him. He had the ability to make anyone feel welcome and comfortable. If you knew Joe Letko, you realized he was not a man that needed titles or past accomplishments to be remembered, Joe was simply your friend.
Friends may call on Tuesday May 16, 2023, from 1:00 to 3:00 pm, in The Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home Inc., 304 East St. Warren, PA. Memorial services will follow in the funeral home at 3:00 pm, with the Rev. Jeffrey Ewing, pastor, officiating. A celebration of Joe’s life will Immediately follow at the Letko residence on Rhine Run Road in Russell, PA. Those wishing to place memorials may do so through the Warren Cancer Center c/o Warren General Hospital or Hospice of Warren County, 1 Main Ave. Warren, PA. E-mail condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com <www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com/>.
I have known Joe for many years starting while still in school. My boys wrestled for him at EHS. I worked a summer for the water hauling. Much fun. I will miss Joe
To some “Idol” may be a strong word…coach was the reason for my wrestling career at EHS. Now with kids of my own in wrestling im able to pass down knowledge from to coach to them and have told the stories from my time with him. Coach you will be truly missed.
I have extremely fond memories of Coach Letko from my time with him in EHS health and PE. He used to give us extra credit in health class for picking a quote and writing a page about what it meant to us. I found that to be very thought-provoking and meaningful. He was a class act.
So sorry for your loss. Joe was really one of the good guys.
Whether I answered a question right or wrong; whether I was being a good kid or a smart aleck and whether made him proud or disappointed him; Mr. Letko always had a twinkle in his eye when he talked with a student. The is a missing piece in the fabric of joy because he is no longer with us, though I have no doubt wherever he goes, he will have that twinkle in his eye. I was very fond of him.
He was the best teacher and coach.. He was always smiling and so funny. rip coach
Remember fondly, Joe and I spent some time together with the wrestling team, and on those bus riding days, when his own kids were young, he spoke most of his dreams for them and of the love he had for them and his wife. I know he loved Ike like family. I Have nothing but admiration, respect, and yes, a few laughs, as I think of our time together at EHS. Prayers and blessings to all of you. Keep those memories close.
A great guy and very successful wrestling coach. I’m glad that I had the opportunity to create some great wrestling memories with Joe. Rest in peace, Coach.
As a former wrestler, I had the utmost respect for Coach Letko. A great coach and a true gentleman, he always had a positive word for you. After moving to Warren County while working at Carter Lumber I would encounter coach on many occasions. I was shocked the first time we saw each other as he called me out by name since I wasn’t one of his and hadn’t seen each other for over 20 years. He was sharp as a tack with an infectious smile and a knack for great conversation. Prayers and thoughts to the family. Rest in peace coach.
I went to Minersville Area High School with Joe and what everybody is saying about him is so true. We played baseball from Little League on up and high school football. Joe was a tough sob and very strong but most of all just a great guy. I haven’t seen Joe since our 5th year class reunion. I am sad to hear of his passing. You will be greatly missed Joe. RIP
Remarkable Man for sure. He will be missed by many!!!
I did not know Coach Letko, but I taught his grandson Storm. Having just read about Coach, I see what a wonderful influence he had on his students and loved ones. Prayers and sympathy go out to you all.
Joe was one of the greatest humans. He left an impact on so many of us. Joe coached my brother Brian in wrestling and was one of his greatest mentors. We found ourselves talking about him this summer while hiking. He made us all better.
Amy, I am so sorry. He was an amazing man. Prayers of comfort for you and your family. Miss you.
He was great man, with a personality larger than life, but if you crossed him he would run you down! I was not one, but I saw him do it a few times at EHS. RIP
Coach Letko was the most influential man in my life. He taught me I was capable of way more than I thought. In seventh grade we were building chimneys and I’d climb that ladder with a 93 lb cinder block on my shoulder. He just shook his head, climbed down and carried two up. From then on I had to do the same. He taught me pain was a choice. He taught me toughness. We didn’t become great wrestlers because coach knew all the moves. We were great because we were tough and confident and accountable to give our full effort for this man. I would never be where I am today without him. If I’ve passed down anything of value to my family it came from Coach Letko. I will miss you dearly Joe.
Joe was a great guy and friend. We shared many talks together. Joe, I will miss you dearly buddy. A straight shooter he was-and he told me I was too.
Joe and I were high school classmates at Minersville High. I remember his dry wit and exceptional athletic skills. Wrestling had just been introduced at MHS when we were freshmen or thereabouts. joe quickly became the “stud” of the wrestling team. I also have memories of Joe doing some crazy stuff…nothing evil….just crazy as many of us were back then. I never had the pleasure of meeting Joe’s kids or grandkids but reading these tributes it sounds like they did their grandfather very well. RIP my good friend until we meet again
You were an amazing teacher, mentor and coach who touched MANY lives. We are certainly better humans for having passed through your classroom, sir. Rest easy, you’ve earned it.
To Virginia and family. .so sorry to hear of the death of Joe. God bless you all.