HAVELKA, JOSEPH J.

Joseph J. Havelka, longtime resident of Port Chester, NY, died February 27, 2008 at Rosary Hill Nursing Home in Hawthorne, NY. He was 88-years-old. Mr. Havelka was born on December 28, 1919 in Greenwich, CT to Charles and Mary Roessler Havelka. He was a graduate of Port Chester High School, class of 1937. After graduation, he studied for the priesthood in Holidaysberg, PA before being drafted by the U.S. Marines in January, 1943. As a Marine, he won numerous awards, including the American Defense Award, Navy Unit Citation ribbon and a letter of commendation for his superior work in caring for the wounded as a pharmacist’s mate. Upon honorable discharge, Mr. Havelka worked as a letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service for 35 years until retirement in 1985. Mr. Havelka is survived by his beloved sister, Florence Sorbelk of Armonk, NY and his many, many nieces and nephews. Family members who died earlier are his brother Rudolph and Charles and his sisters Frances, Amelia and Ellen. Joseph was affectionately known as “Uncle George” and loved by everyone. He will be missed. A Funeral Mass will be 9:30 AM Friday, February 29 at Sacred Heart Church, Willet Ave., Port Chester, NY. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Rye Brook, NY. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations may be sent to Holy Rosary Nursing Home, 600 Linda Ave., Hawthorne, NY 10532.