Joseph Edward Zilka, Sr., 90, of Monongahela, died Wednesday, October 2, 2019 in his home. He was born March 15, 1929 in Monessen, the son of George and Julia Futey Zilka.
At the age of sixteen, Joe was employed at Pittsburgh Steel in Monessen and retired with over forty years from Wheeling Pittsburgh Steel. He then was employed by North American Refractory Company (NARCO) in Cleveland, Ohio where he retired again after sixteen years of service. During the late 70's and throughout the 80's, Joe managed Little League Baseball in Carroll Township. In addition to baseball, he was very involved with his children and their sports activities as well. He was a Korean War veteran, having served in the US Air Force, was Catholic by faith and enjoyed fishing.
He is survived by his wife, Shirley Cyrnek Zilka with whom he celebrated fifty five years of marriage on August 7, 2019; two sons and two daughters, Joseph E. Zilka, Jr. and wife Donna of Rostraver Township, Jennifer Marco and husband Jeff of London, Ohio, Todd Zilka and wife Jennifer of Daisytown, Heather Zilka of Dublin, Ohio; four grandchildren, Xander and Talyn Zilka, Jordan and James Marco; two sisters, Agnes Duttine of the state of California, Sr. M. Julia Irene Zilka, SNC of Pittsburgh.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by five brothers, George, Andrew, Cyril John "Zeke" and John who died in infancy; and five
sisters, Veronica and Julia Zilka, Ann Druguet, Mary Ruday and Helen Konick.
Friends will be received on Sunday, October 6, 2019 from 2-5 PM in the Frye Funeral Home Inc., 427 West Main Street, Monongahela, where services will be held at 5:00 PM with the Rev. Larry Coltura officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions may be made to Little League Baseball, Inc., ATTN: Chief Financial Officer, PO Box 3485, 539 US Route 15 Hwy., Williamsport, PA 17701. https://www/littleleague.org/who-we-are/making-a-donation/