Joseph M. Valchar

Joseph M. Valchar, 79, of Natrona Heights, passed away unexpectedly at home on Friday, August 13, 2021. He was born March 30, 1942 in Tarentum to the late Martin and Katherine (Klanica) Valchar. Joseph was a retired US Navy veteran having served 22 years on the submarine force. He received numerous meritorious awards while serving on multiple fleets. He was a life member of Natrona Heights VFW, Elks in Ft. Pierce, FL and was very active in AA for over 35 years. Joseph graduated in 1960 from Tarentum High school and earned a BS from Southern Illinois University. He spent his winters in Florida and summers in Natrona Heights and enjoyed gardening and astronomy.

            Survivors include his wife of 18 years Judi L. Betush-Valchar; daughters Stephanie (Marc) DeBartolomeis and Malia (Stephen) Schweiger, both of NJ; step daughters, Jill (Keith) Blayden, of MO and Amy (Sean) Epstein, of Indiana Twp. Grandchildren Ava and Ren DeBartolomeis, Ben and Katie Schweiger, Kajsa (Nick) Tolomeo, Gabrielle Blayden and Mitchell Epstein. Also surviving are his siblings Clem (Roseann) Valchar, of Lower Burrell, Aggie Hindman, of IL and Millie (George) Hunter, of CT and Margie Ulizio, of Lower Burrell. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by sisters Mary Ann Harnadek ,Stella Jezik and Betty Ciachta, brothers Rudy and Bill Valchar.

            All services for Joseph will be private. Burial with military honors by the US Navy will be in Prospect Cemetery at a later date. Arrangements by Duster Funeral Home, Inc. 347 E 10^th Ave, Tarentum, 724-224-1526. VISIT: dusterfh.com