Joseph F. Alabek

CARLISLE – Joseph F. Alabek, 93, formerly of Port Carbon, Schuylkill Co., passed away Sunday, March 18, 2018 at his home. He was the husband of the late Matilda P. (Ragusky) Alabek to whom he was married for 67 years. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM Monday, March 26, 2018 at Saint Patrick Catholic Church, 85 Marsh Drive, Carlisle with his priest, The Reverend Joshua Cavender officiating. A viewing will be held from 10-11:00 AM Monday in the Activity Center of the Church. Burial will be at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville. Heffner Funeral Chapel & Crematory, Inc., 1551 Kenneth Road, York is in charge of arrangements. Born September 26, 1924 in New Philadelphia, Schuylkill Co.; he drove Euclid trucks for the local anthracite coal mines, worked many years for Coca-Cola and later retired from Pottsville Bleach & Dye Co. Mr. Alabek was a cinema fan who loved all genres of movies and was a talented handyman who could fix anything from electronics to cars to home repairs. He was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church; Port Carbon VFW, Disabled American Veterans and American Ex-Prisoners of War. During WWII, Mr. Alabek’s service with the 1st and 3rd US Army Ranger Battalions earned him numerous medals including a Bronze Star. Joseph was a POW in Germany following the Battle of Cisterna during the Anzio Campaign. Mr. Alabek is survived by his daughter, Donna A. Benion and husband Harry of Mechanicsburg; a son, Joseph F. Alabek, Jr. and wife Judy of Pittsburgh; six grandchildren, Jason Benion and wife Rachael, Scott Benion, Angela Nelson and husband Patrick, Joey and Michelle Alabek, and Bethany Wink and husband CJ; and three great grandchildren, Roland and Rhys Benion and Joey Alabek. He was preceded in death by a sister, Frances Miller. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to American Ex-Prisoners of War, PO Box 3444, Arlington, TX 76007.