Richard Vasko

AUSTINTOWN - Funeral services will be held Friday at 11 a.m. at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Austintown Chapel for Richard J. Vasko, 76, who passed away Saturday morning at Akron Children's Hospital.

Richard was born Aug. 8, 1937, in Youngstown, a son of the late John and Mary (Bartha) Vasko.

Richard was a 1955 graduate of Jackson Milton High School. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. Richard retired as a millwright for Youngstown Welding. After retirement, he worked part time at Team Steel. Richard had a wonderful talent to play the piano. He was also an avid sports fan of the Cleveland Browns, Cleveland Indians and the Ohio State Buckeyes. Richard also enjoyed meeting his buddies in the morning at McDonald's.

Richard leaves his wife, the former Janice L. Molnar, whom he married Feb. 5, 1978; two daughters, Christine (Sean) Leonhart of Wauseon and Cheryl Vasko of Ohio; three sons, Richard (Jennifer) Vasko of Moyock, N.C., Steve Vasko of Crestview, Fla., and Scott Vasko of Summerville, S.C.; 18 grandchildren; a great-grandchild; a brother, Kenneth (Kathy) Vasko of Ashtabula; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Richard was also preceded in death by a brother, John Vasko Jr.

Family and friends may pay their respects Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Material tributes may take the form of donations to the Burn Unit at Akron Children's Hospital, 1 Perkins Square, Akron, OH 44302.

The Vasko family would like to give a special thanks to the Burn Unit for all of their care and support during this difficult time.