Nicholas C. Risko, 95, of Ellport, went to be with the Lord on Monday, June 10, 2019 in The Grove at New Wilmington, passing peacefully, surrounded by his loving family.
Born and raised in Ellport, he was the son of the late Charles and Elizabeth Trynovich Risko. A 1941 graduate of Lincoln High School, Nicholas attended Garfield Business College and Geneva College. He served in the US Army from 1943 to 1946, attaining the rank of Corporal and serving 30 months in the Pacific Theatre. He was awarded two battle stars for the New Guinea and Philippine campaigns. He married the former Sophia Dukovich on March 8, 1947 and after 66 years of marriage, she preceded him in death on September 9, 2013. Nicholas worked briefly at US Steel in Ellwood City and then spent over 40 years at Ryman Engineering where he retired in 1989 as office manager. Nicholas was an active member of the former St. Agatha Church, now Holy Redeemer, where he served as a Eucharistic minister, usher, president of Parish Council, Social Club Treasurer, and was both manager and treasurer of the St. Agatha Parish Federal Credit Union.
Nicholas believed in public service. He served as a President of the Ellwood City Kiwanis Club, served for two years on the Ellwood City Area School Board and was a member of the Ellwood City Area Historical Society. He proudly served the residents of Ellport as mayor for 10 years, from 1973 to 1983 and served as the Republican Party committeeman for over 20 years. Nicholas also served on the Lawrence County Republican Party Executive Committee as its Chairman and as its Secretary. His hobbies included golfing, gardening and traveling and he was an avid Pittsburgh Pirates and Steelers fan.
Nicholas loved his family, and he is survived by his children; Tracey Risko of Ellport, Judith Thom and Cheryl (John) Pratt, both of Ellwood City, Larry Risko and Robert Risko, both of New York City, a granddaughter, Cherie Pratt and her fiancée, Chris Callahan and a sister, Sophie.
In addition to his parents and his wife, Nicholas was preceded in death by 6 sisters; Mary, Anne, Helen, Josephine, Agnes and Betty.
A private Blessing Service was held with Fr. Mark Thomas of Holy Redeemer Church. Interment took place in Holy Redeemer Cemetery. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Joseph A. Tomon, Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory, 97 Grim Avenue, Ellport.
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