Joseph Michael Sikora

Joseph Michael Sikora, 77, of Punxsutawney passed away quietly at Mulberry Square Elder Care on Tuesday, September 4, 2018.  Mr. Sikora was born in Dubois on April 6, 1941 to the late Walter and Vern (Mehok) Sikora.  Joseph married his wife of 54 years, Elaine Ann Villella on August 29, 1964.  Elaine survives and resides in Punxsutawney.

Mr. Sikora was an icon in Punxsutawney and is best known as the founder of “Joe’s Drive In” which he personally operated for 30 years.  Joseph was quite active in the community, both during his working years and in retirement as well.    He was a proud member of the Lion’s Club, Punxsy VFW, and the Eagles.  Joseph loved meeting and greeting people; especially, at his drive in.  He volunteered as often as possible and was a regular delivering “Meals on Wheels”, and volunteering at the Punxsutawney Area Hospital.    Joseph was so active in the community that he garnered many awards for his efforts.  He was named the Punxsutawney Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution “Outstanding Community Service Award for 2005”’; the 2001-2002 Lion’s Club President’s Appreciation Award; The 2003-2004 Lion’s Club “President’s Award” in Recognition of Exceptional Accomplishment; the “Lion of the Year” for 2003-2004; and, the “White Cane” award for outstanding service 2007-2008.  Joseph was also the Chairman for the Lion’s Club eye glasses collection for 2012-2013.  Despite Joseph’s demanding community schedule, he always found time for his family and to take a few moments for himself building and flying remote control airplanes. 

Joseph is survived by his wife, Elaine; his five children, Ed Sikora and wife Lisa of Mahaffey; Michele Zimmerman and husband Tom of Punxsutawney; Joe Sikora, Jr., and wife Ranee of Punxsutawney; Chris Sikora and wife Kelly of Punxsutawney; and Tony Sikora of Columbus, OH.  He is also survived by his twin brother, Ed Sikora and wife Marlene of Dubois; and, four sisters; Veronica Mitchell of Albany NY; Nancy Selzler and husband Dave of Dubois; Pat Verostic of Punxsutawney; and Anna Marie Moore and husband Dan of Michigan.  His ten grandchildren are, Paul Wehrle and wife Becky; Jackie Sikora; Nicole Hetrick and husband Brilyn; Levi Sikora and fiancé Logan Brooks; Sydney Sikora; Ty Zimmerman; Tessa Zimmerman; Elizabeth Sikora, Jake Sikora, and Chase Sikora.  His great-grandchildren are, Alex and Branson Roy, Lincoln and Axel Hetrick.

Joseph was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Vern (Mehok) Sikora.

In keeping with the family’s wishes, viewing will be private under the direction of the Shumaker Funeral Home Inc of Punxsutawney. A funeral mass will be held at Saints Cosmas and Damian Catholic Church on Thursday, September 6, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. officiated by Monsignor Joseph Riccardo. 

Joseph will be will be entombed at the Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Joseph’s memory can be made to the Punxsutawney Lion’s Club, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Cranio-facial Center, and Mulberry Square Elder Care activities department.

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