Joseph Mayko

Beloved and devoted son, brother, friend and teacher, Joseph E. Mayko, 77, of Port Dickinson, died peacefully after a short illness on November 9, 2023. Joe was an avid reader. He loved history, travel, PBS and entertaining. He and his wife Jo Ann loved cooking and every friend and relative has their own story of dinner with Joe and Jo Ann enjoying his roast crown of pork, Peking duck, or Jo Ann’s fresh baked pies or flourless chocolate torte. As an Eagle Scout Joe loved the outdoors. He enjoyed camping, fishing, running, and swimming and Jo Ann joined in the fun with all activities except golf. They also loved traveling in the United States, but Bob’s Lake and Ottawa in Ontario, Canada were their most frequent destinations.

A graduate of Binghamton Central High School in 1963, Joe received his Bachelor of Philosophy from St Bernards College and did his graduate work at Binghamton University. He was an English teacher at Susquehanna Valley High School for 31 years. During his career at SV, Joe was English Department Chairperson, Yearbook Advisor, Varsity Cross Country and Girls Varsity Track Coach, Susquehanna Valley Teachers Association Vice President, and Negotiator. After retirement he became a member of the Wall of Fame Committee at Susquehanna Valley and was a Wall of Fame inductee himself in 2012 for Varsity Cross Country and Girls Varsity Track.

Joe was predeceased by his wife of 47 years, Jo Ann Van Wallendael, parents Joseph and Wanda Mayko and brother Richard Mayko. He is survived by his siblings Robert Mayko and wife Adriane, Wimauma, Florida, Sandy Mayko and husband Gary Obialero, Binghamton, sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, Elizabeth McGee, Christina Van Wallendael and Jay Gospolnetich, Rene Conklin, Julie Van Wallendael, A. Jeanne Van Wallendael, nieces Libby and Adrienne, and nephew Will and seven great nieces and nephews. He leaves behind numerous cousins and many, many friends.

Joe’s family would like to thank Rene Conklin of Binghamton for her exceptional care who with his many close friends and neighbors made it possible for him to remain at home during the last three years. An additional thank you goes to Wilson Memorial Hospital, Dr. Krishna Putcha, and Binghamton General Hospital Sixth Floor Palliative Care for their kindnesses during a very difficult time, making it easier for Joe and his family.

Family will receive friends from 10:00 am until 11:00 am on Friday, November 17, 2023 at Saint Patrick’s Church, 9 Leroy Street, Binghamton. A Mass of Chris􀆟an Burial will be celebrated 11:00 am with the Reverend Monsignor John Putano officiating. Interment will follow services in Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in Joe’s name may be made to the Susquehanna Valley Scholarship Fund at SVHS, PO Box 200, Conklin, NY 13748. To forward condolences please visit www.demunn.com. Arrangements for the family are directed by the DeMunn Funeral Home.