Joseph Paul Hirko

Joseph P. Hirko Joseph P. Hirko {Joe} passed away peacefully in his sleep on Friday, March 26. His loving wife Ellie and his daughters Lynne and Leslie were with him. He was born on February 26,1930 in Plains, Pennsylvania the sixth of six children born to Joseph and Anna Hirko. At a young age he moved to Kingston, PA. where he attended grade school and high school. He graduated from Wilkes College in Wilkes-Barre, PA in 1952. Joe joined the Air Force in 1953. He served his country faithfully for 20 years. While stationed at Mather AFB, he met Ellen Hollinger of Chico and they shared a wonderful life of 62 years. After retiring, Joe returned to Chico and worked for PG&E for another 20 years. He served as president of the Chico Kiwanas Club in the early 70's. A quiet man with a wry sense of humor and a heart far bigger than his 5'5" frame he loved nothing more than making sawdust in the garage, and was never too busy to help a relative or friend with any project or repair. In later years he happily carved every Tuesday with the Christian Carvers Group. Joe was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Chico for 10 years before transferring membership to Our Savior Lutheran Church in Paradise where he remained a faithful servant of God until his death. He is survived by his family, and friends too numerous to mention who became like family as soon as they met him. A memorial service will be held at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 6404 Pentz Road in Paradise on Saturday, April 2, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. Memorial contributions can be made in his memory to Our Savior Lutheran Church in care of Brusie Funeral Home. Online condolences can be sent to the family at Brusie Funeral Home.