Joseph James Ukish, 96, of Salina passed away on Tuesday, January 19, 2021 at his niece’s home in Nowrytown, Pa. He was born on Monday, January 19, 1925 in Salina, Pa., the son of the late Paul and Barbara Budic Ukish. He was a United States Army Air Corp Veteran having served during WWII where he reached the rank of Sargent. During the war, he was captured by the Romanians and was a prisoner of war until that country surrendered. Before his retirement, he worked for IUP in housekeeping. He was a member of Saint Ambrose Roman Catholic Church and the Laborer’s Union. He enjoyed golfing, bowling, fishing, and was famous for tying his own flies, watching games shows, the Antique Road Show and was an avid Steeler fan. He is survived by 4 nieces, Florence Marafka and her husband, Tom, of Nowrytown, Karen Pacelli and her husband, Bob, of Nowrytown, Marlene Krugh and her husband, Jim, of Mt. Lebanon and Debbie Newhouse and her husband, Dennis, of New Alexandria , 5 nephews, Paul Ukish of Tunnelton, Doug Ukish (Jen) of Kiski Twp., Jeff Ukish and his wife, Susan, of Kiski Twp., Danny Ukish and his wife, Kim, of Arizona and Scotty Ukish of Greensburg and numerous great nieces and nephews and great great nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, George, Steve, Pete, Paul “Putch” Ukish and his sisters, Frances Belice and Duna Ukish and also 2 brothers and a sister in infancy, his nieces, Barbara Belice and Georgiann Anodide and his nephew, James Belice. The family would like to thank his devoted neighbors in Salina, Charles Klingensmith and John and Nancy Bobich for all their help throughout the years. Visitation will be conducted on Thursday, January 21, 2021 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. FAMILY WILL NOT BE PRESENT. Due to COVID-19 concerns and our concerns for our families, MASKS ARE MANDATORY AND SOCIAL DISTANCING GUIDELINES MUST BE FOLLOWED. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, January 22, 2021 at 10:00 AM at St. Ambrose Roman Catholic Church, 505 Cambria Ave., Avonmore, Pa. with Father John Harrold as celebrant. Interment will held at Westview Cemetery in Avonmore, Pa.
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