John William Danko, 89, of Bellefonte, died on Saturday, May 9, 2009 at the Mount Nitany Medical Center in College Township.
Born in Clarence, PA on September 9, 1919, he was the son of the late Andrew J. and Katherine (Funyak) Danko.
In 1955 at St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church in Bellefonte, he was married to the former Mary (Molly) Adelaide Gherrity, who survives at home.
Mr. Danko graduated from the Snow Shoe High School in June of 1938 as valedictorian of his class. He then attended the Lock Haven State Teachers College and graduated with a B.S. in Education - Intermediate Level in May of 1942. In 1942, he also was accredited in Social Studies in secondary schools. He then attended Indiana State Teachers College, earning a certificate for secondary school principal in 1949. Finally, he went on to receive his Master's Degree in secondary education from Penn State.
He began his teaching career in the seventh and eighth grades in the Snow Shoe area. When the Bald Eagle Area High School opened in Wingate in 1954, John began teaching social studies and was the department chairman for many years.
John attended St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church in Bellefonte. He was an usher at the church for over thirty years.
He was a member of the Bellefonte Elks and the Third Order Carmelites in Loretto.
John was an avid trout and fly fisherman and enjoyed playing baseball in his youth.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by a sister in law, Patsy Danko; three nephews, John and Charles Moyer, and Andrew Danko Jr.; three nieces, Nan Deull, Patricia Pondo, and Marsha Wisner; and several grand nieces and nephews.
Family will receive friends from 6:30 to 8 pm on Monday, May 11, 2009 at the Mark D. Heintzelman Funeral and Cremation Services, 1034 Benner Pike, State College. A Prayer Service will begin at 8 pm at the funeral home.
A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated, beginning at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, May 12, 2009 at St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church, 134 E. Bishop Street, Bellefonte with the Reverend Neil R. Dadey officiating. Interment will then follow at Centre County Memorial Park.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church, 134 E. Bishop Street, Bellefonte, PA 16823.
A guest book can be signed or condolences sent to the family at www.heintzelmanfuneralhome.com.