Bernard ‘Bernie’ Staranko – Charleroi

Bernard “Bernie” Staranko, 88, of Charleroi, passed away Sunday, March 3, 2024. He was born on Oct. 26, 1935, to the late John Staranko and Rose Rutsky Staranko. Ber-nie was a carpenter by trade and a talented handyman, working for Lee Norse, Guttman Oil and a multitude of family and friends. He graduated from Charleroi Area High School with the Class of 1954 and served our country as an Army reservist. He was an avid fisherman, traveling to Alaska, Canada and Lake Erie for trips with his sons and friends. He enjoyed spending time with friends at the various social clubs in the Mon Valley. He was a Free Mason at Lodge 337 and spent many years as a volunteer fireman and member of the fireman’s clown squad. Surviving to cherish Bernie are his wife of 65 years, Lora Lee Madzy Staranko; sons, Michael (Shawn) Staranko and John (Jane) Staranko; grandchildren, Aaron Staranko, Shauna Staranko-Scott (Reverend Lee Scott), Madison Staranko (and son, Spencer), Hayden Staranko (Haley Norkus), Marty Doctorick (Brooke Puskar) and Paige Doctorick (Luke Schorr). Bernie had a special love for his great-granddaughters, Makenley Constantino (and her parents, Joe and Heather) and Mary Etta Jane Scott (age 3, who served as his little doctor during his recovery this past year). He leaves behind his beloved pet, Walter. Also surviving are his siblings, Alberta O’Brien, Eleanor Custozzo, Robert Staranko (Beverly) and Leonard Staranko; brother-in-law, Theodore Madzy (Edna); sisters-in-law, Myra Motycki, Marlene Tokar and Carol Green; many nieces and nephews and dear friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, John Staranko. Bernie was a voracious reader and a Charleroi Library supporter. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the John K. Tener Library in Bernie’s memory. Receiving of friends and family will be held from 11 to 3 p.m., at which time a memorial service will begin at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at HOGAN-MELENYZER FUNERAL HOME, 226 Fallowfield Ave., Charleroi, PA 15022. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.hogan-melenyzer.com.