Edmund P Palko

**THE VIRTUAL ROSARY AND MASS IN CELEBRATION OF PETE’S LIFE, ORIGINALLY SCHEDULED FOR JANUARY 9, 2021, HAVE BEEN POSTPONED DUE TO COVID.  PLEASE CHECK BACK FOR A NEW DATE, LIKELY TO BE FEBRUARY OR MARCH.  WE VERY MUCH APPRECIATE YOUR PARTICIPATION AND PATIENCE.**

Col. (ret.) Edmund Peter (“Pete”) Palko passed away peacefully on November 14, 2020 in Farmington, New Mexico.  He was born on June 29, 1932, in Johnstown Pennsylvania to Helena Hricay Palko and Joseph Palko.

Pete was a natural athlete and excelled at gymnastics, boxing, and especially diving.  At a young age he dreamed that he would one day have a ride in an airplane.  He later far surpassed this dream by becoming a pilot in the U.S. Air Force.  He served in the Vietnam War and later assumed multiple leadership roles before retiring as a Colonel after more than 30 years of service.

While pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Pittsburg, he met the love of his life, Jo Racosky, at a Reserve Officer Training Corps dance.  They were happily married for over 64 years and had five children.

Pete enjoyed fishing, gardening, woodworking, and visiting with his grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his son, Joseph Peter Palko.  He is survived by his wife, Josephine Ann Palko, his daughters, Mary Palko, Susan Palko-Schraa, Kimberly Palko, and Monica Palko, and by six grandchildren.

Pete was proud to have achieved the level of a Fourth Degree of the Knights of Columbus with 63 years of service to the organization.  Memorial donations may be made to the Knights of Columbus, San Juan Council.  (Mailing address:  Knights of Columbus Council 15618, c/o Roy Reese, 1105 W Oak St. Bloomfield, NM, 87413.)  If specified, donations will contribute to holiday food baskets, which the Knights will distribute to needy families in the area.  We think Pete would have liked that.

Arrangements are being made for a virtual mass and rosary in his honor.  We appreciate your understanding as the pandemic has made scheduling more difficult and will post details here when they are available.

Per Pete’s request, a memorial service will be held at Arlington Cemetery at a later date.