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Our Savior, Jesus Christ, and the good Lord called his son, Jeffrey Paul Talko, 58, of Cresson, home on Tuesday at Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center, Johnstown. He was born in Chicago, the son of Eugene and the late Carolyn (Campagna) Talko.
He is survived by his father, Eugene, and wife, Brenda; his loving wife of 32 years, Lizbeth "Beth" (Schettig); children, Ryne and Erin; sisters, Valerie, wife of Frank Plewa, and Michele Talko; and brother, Gregg, and wife Kristen; and stepsister, Jordan (Josh) Barroner. Also surviving are numerous aunts and uncles; nieces: Liza, Marikate, Lauren, Maryn and Elyn; nephews: Brock, Trey, Drake, Nick and Jack; and mother and father-in-law, Anne and Thomas Schettig. He will be sadly missed by his cats: Mouser, Chi and Callie.
Some of his accomplishments include: Marine Corps operator, 1986; 8830th MP school-basic MP school ADT, 1990; Associate in special technology, culinary arts, 1996; USMC certificate of good conduct medal first award in December from 1985-88; USMC Meritorious Mast December 1989; 49th MP Brigade, 1989; 49th Brigade CALT NG; California Drill Attendant Ribbon November 1992; Army global war on terrorism service; Army NG, Good conduct medal; USMC Meritorious Mast January 1988; Army NG, Award of the PA service ribbon 4th award.
Jeff was a wonderful, loving husband to his wife, Beth, and a caring and adoring father to Ryne and Erin. He loved his wife and kids greatly and sacrificed so much for them during his life. There's nothing in the world he didn't do for them. He coached Erin and Ryne in basketball, wrestling, soccer, baseball and especially tennis, going to the extent of having secret hand signals for his kids on the tennis court only they would know. He loved coaching Erin and Ryne during their high school years.
He loved watching all sports. His true favorites were watching his Pitt Panthers, Steelers, Penguins, Alabama, UCLA and especially the Cubbies.
Jeff was in the Marine Corps for four years right after high school and then retired from the Pa. Army National Guard with a total of 34 years of military service. He was a great soldier who led by example on numerous occasions on and off the battlefield. Jeff was well respected by his peers and superiors alike. He was deployed to Iraq in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Afghanistan in Operation Enduring Freedom. Jeff was also deployed to Panama, Germany, Italy, Japan, Lithuania, Afghanistan and many others. Jeff was so well respected by his peers he was selected to be the Soldier of the Year in 1998 while in the Army National Guard. Quote: "You are a soldier who has taken initiative to excel-a high performer and a leader. Our soldiers will rely on your ability to meet future challenges."
He was also a wonderful cook and always made too much food while putting together a great spread for everyone. He was always patient and kind in any situation, especially with his family.
Jeff would do anything for anybody. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, extended family and all who knew him whether they had one story to tell or a hundred. He lived a rich, rewarding and wonderful, adrenaline-filled life. He will forever be in our hearts. The world has lost a truly beautiful soul. But most of all, Jeff was a selfless husband and father who loved his family with all his heart and took care of them before even thinking of himself.
We love you Jeff. We love you Dad.
Friends will be received from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24, 2025, at Serenko-Claar Funeral Home P.C., Portage.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, at The Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel, Loretto, with the Very Rev. Father John David Byrnes JCL JV Rector, celebrant. Committal will be at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cemetery, Lilly.
Online condolences may be made at serenkoclaarfuneralhome.com