Kenneth M. Stanko Sept. 28, 1940 – Aug. 29, 2022

Kenneth M. Stanko, 81, Hollidaysburg, passed away Monday morning at UPMC Altoona after a brief illness. He was born in Connellsville, PA, on September 28, 1940, son of the late Michael and Margaret (Medved) Stanko. On July 22, 1972, he married Diann Dover in Denver, CO. They just recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. He is survived by his wife Diann; two daughters: Rachelle Wilhelm (Jon) of Coudersport, PA and Danielle McCaulley of East Freedom, PA; six grandchildren: Zachary (Joyanna)Bejmovicz, Nicholas Bejmovicz, Christian Stanko, Hannah (Jake)Boden, Jaxon Wilhelm, and Gabriel Wilhelm; four great-grandchildren: Lukas Connelly, Sawyer Boden, Willa Bejmovicz, and Charlotte Boden; three sisters: Virginia Smith and Marilyn Schaeffer of Indiana, PA, and Michele Schwietz (Jeff) of Herndon, VA; and many nieces, nephews, family and friends. He was preceded in death by a brother-in-law, Richard Smith and a great-nephew, Benjamin Stoker. Kenneth (“Kent”) was a 1958 graduate of Indiana High School and graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1964. He also attended New York University through the U.S. Air Force, and taught Philosophy at Edinboro University. He was the owner/operator of Travois Construction for 30 years. Kent was a U.S. Air Force veteran of the Vietnam war, flying F-4 fighter jets and achieving the rank of Captain. He was a member of St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, Hollidaysburg, where he was a lector and a member of the Knights of Columbus. He was a past president of the Blair County Builders Association, and a committee member of the Pennsylvania Builders Association. Kent loved to play poker, golf, spending time with family, and attending the various events involving his beloved family. A funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, September 23, 2022, at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, Hollidaysburg, Father Alan Thomas, celebrant. Interment with military honors will be private at the convenience of the family. The family requests that donations in memory of Kent be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516, The American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 198, Hollidaysburg, PA 16648, or a Volunteer Fire Department of your choice. Arrangements are by Plank, Stitt & Stevens Funeral Home, 421 Montgomery St., Hollidaysburg. Condolences may be made at www.stevensfamilyfuneralhomes.com or Stevens Family Funeral Homes Facebook page.