Obituary of Joseph C. Vankoski

Joseph Charles Vankoski, age 80, passed away peacefully on August 17, 2024.

Joe was born and raised in Chester, PA and attended Chester High School, class of 1962. He went on to graduate from the University of Delaware with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, class of 1966. While at Delaware, he met Debbie, his best friend and wife of 57 years.

After graduating from Delaware, Joe started his 34-year career with Sun Oil Company. Joe had a long and successful career with Sun, from his initial job as an Engineer at the Marcus Hook refinery to his final years as a Marketing Executive in Center City Philadelphia.

During this time, Joe and Debbie raised their three children – Steve, Diane, and Matt – in the Concordville/Chadds Ford, PA area. After Joe retired and the kids were on their own, Joe and Debbie moved to Ocean Isle Beach, NC, where they enjoyed many years of playing golf together, going to the beach, traveling, and visiting friends and family.

In his earlier years, Joe loved playing slow pitch softball, building model train sets, and coaching/introducing his children to as many sports as possible. Later on, he enjoyed skiing and was a long-time member of Concord Country Club, where he discovered his passion for golf. Joe also loved taking care of the homes that he and Debbie had built over the years.

Joe had a huge presence and zest for life, and had a positive impact on the lives of his family, friends, and colleagues. The most important thing in Joe's life, above all else, was his family. He was tremendously proud of his children and grandchildren, and was always there for them with his unwavering love and support. Joe especially cherished time at the Jersey Shore and Christmastime, because these were when he shared the most special moments in his life surrounded by Debbie and his family. He will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved him.

Joe is preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Jennie (Galuska) Vankoski and his brother John Vankoski. He leaves behind to cherish his memory his wife Debbie; his three children, Stephen (Patricia) Vankoski, Diane (Rick) Van Dyke, and Matthew (Dana) Vankoski; his five grandchildren, Amanda (Ryan) Welage, Michael Vankoski, Renee Van Dyke, Brian Van Dyke, and Grace Vankoski; his brother Jim (Barbara) Vankoski and many nieces and nephews.

A visitation and funeral Mass to honor Joe's life will be held on Saturday, October 19, 2024 at St. Cornelius Catholic Church, 160 Ridge Road, Chadds Ford, PA. The visitation will be from 9:45-10:45am, followed by the funeral Mass at 11am. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.paganofuneralhome.com.