Joseph DeCook, 80, of Joffre, died Saturday, August 15, 1998, in Weirton (W.Va.) Medical Center. He was retired from Stravaggi Enterprises of Weirton and was a member of UMWA District 5 for more than 40 years. Mr. DeCook was a corporal in the U.S. Army during World War II with the Headquarters Battery 214th Anti-aircraft Artillery Gun Battalion. He was a life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 987 and American Legion Post 698, both of Burgettstown. On February 28, 1946, he married Erma Tonetti Scopel, who survives. Also surviving are a son, Jack B. Scopel of Burgettstown; a daughter, Catherine Pasquale of Joffre; six grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; three sisters, Marie Cunningham of Paris, and Ida Kortyna and Denise Vermeulan, both of Bulger; and a brother, Frank DeCook of Avella. Deceased are two sisters, Frances Thomas and Celestine Moore; two brothers, Victor and Andrew DeCook; and a great-grandchild. Copyright ©1998 Observer Publishing Co.Last updated Monday, August 17, 1998Joseph DeCook
WWII vet was member of UMWA District 5
He was born April 4, 1918, in Joffre, a son of Frank and Cecila DeValkner DeCook.