Edward “Eddie” P. Sporko, 102 years young, passed on Saturday at Hospice of the Sacred Heart in patient unit, Dunmore. His wife of 70 years, Helen D. Sporko, passed in 2020. Born in Scranton, he was the son of the late Boleslaw and Sophie Niekiewicz Sporko. Eddie was a graduate of Scranton Technical High School and received an Associate Degree from Johnson Technical College. He retired from Babcock-Wilcox as a Technical Designer and Draftsman.
Eddie was an Army Veteran of WW II, having served as an assistant squad leader Corporal with the 208th Engineer Combat Battalion at Normandy, Northern France, the Rhineland and Central Europe and receiving four Bronze Battle Stars.
He was a member of SS Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Church, West Scranton.
Eddie was a private and humble man that faced a lot of adversity in his life but, was always willing to help anyone who needed it. Despite all the challenges he experienced over his long life, he never waivered. The dedication, loyalty, discipline and integrity he demonstrated by his every day actions, set such an inspirational example for not just his family, but all who got to know him.
Other than family and helping people, he greatly enjoyed planning and tending his garden every year, then giving all produce away afterwards. He also never refused a cup of coffee.
In 2022, the Lackawanna County commissioners declared a day in his honor on his 100th birthday. When asked the secret to living so long, Eddie would tell them “Clean Living” and to “Keep Moving”.
He is survived by a son, Raymond Sporko and wife Deborah, Moscow, daughters; Diane Slater and husband James, Dickson City, Janet O’Rourke, Throop, six grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife Helen and their son, David Sporko.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on, Wednesday at 12:30 in SS Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Church, 1309 West Locust Street, West Scranton, officiated by the Rev. Fr. James Paisley, Pastor. Interment will follow with full Military Honors by the United States Army and the Dickson City Veterans Honor Guard Rifle Detail at the parish cemetery. A viewing for family and friends will be held on Wednesday, 10 am to 12 noon in the Edward J. Chomko Funeral Home & Cremation Services 262 Railroad Avenue, West Scranton.
