Rupert M. Martinko, 85, of Carroll Township, passed away peacefully on Dec. 2, 2022, in his own home with his loving family by his side. Born on Nov. 7, 1937, Rupe was the son of the late Rupert and Sylvia Martinko. He was a member of Saint Andrew the Apostle Parish in Charleroi. Rupe served as a Eucharistic minister. Rupe was a 1955 graduate of Charleroi High School. He was a veteran, serving as a sergeant in the United States Army. Rupe then went to work with his uncle at South Hills Decorating, learning the wallpapering and painting trade. Rupe started his own business, R. Martinko Decorating, until his retirement in 2012. Rupe enjoyed boating, golfing and snow skinning, but his true passion was his antique cars. He was a member of the Antique Automobile Club of America, the Western Region AACA and the Covered Bridge AACA. Rupe had a great sense of humor and wit. He loved to tell funny stories to put smiles on people’s faces; he will be missed by many. Rupe is survived by his loving wife of 62 ½ years, Elaine; sister, Carole Martinko Jones; a brother, Gregg (Kathy) Martinko; sister-in-law, Marian (Ed) Hank; nephews, Ed Hank Jr., Paul (Susan) Hank, Anthony (Susan) Silvagni, Ed (Angel) Hank III, Ethan Hank and Aaron (Alayna) Hank, Ethan Walker and Quinn Hallman; and nieces, Cristen (Jeff) Walker, Holly (Craig) Hallman, Rachel (Ethan) Wycoff, Carly Walker Olivia Wycoff, Ensley Hank and Cora Hallman. A heartfelt thanks to the special staff of ViaQuest Hospice, who provided wonderful and compassionate care of Rupe and his family. Friends and family will be received from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4, 2022, at HOGAN-MELENYZER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES INC., 226 Fallowfield Ave., Charleroi, PA 15022. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 5, 2022, at St. Andrew Apostle Parish, Charleroi Site, Seventh Street and Washington Avenue, Charleroi. Interment will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Monongahela. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.hogan-melenyzer.com.
