EMPORIUM — Joseph Aloysius Cirko, loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at UPMC Mercy in Pittsburgh, after a short illness.

Joe was born at home in Warrior Run on Sept. 12, 1941, the son of the late Michael and Anna Carey Cirko. On May 29, 1999, at First Baptist Church in Emporium, he married his loving wife, the former Dawn S. Hickey, who survives.

Attending school only through the eighth grade, Joe didn’t have the privilege of graduating due to responsibilities that needed to be taken on at an early age. A truck driver for more than 60 years, Joe knew the roads and highways across the states. He loved the freedom of the road and the scenic views on his travels. Joe also loved the outdoors, especially fishing with his loving wife, Dawn. He and Dawn shared a loving devotion to their pets.

Joe is survived by and lovingly remembered by his loving wife, Dawn; his daughter, Cindy (Dennis) Peterson in New York; and his son, Joseph D. Cirko in Pennsylvania; his grandchildren, Brandi Ferris and Nicholas (Alexa) Peterson, both in New York, Carlee Crain and Kori Noel Cirko, both in Pennsylvania; his great-grandchildren, Kaeden Peterson and Jaxon Peterson, both in New York; and a brother, Alan W. Cirko in Pennsylvania.

In addition to his parents, Michael and Anna, he was predeceased by two sisters and three brothers.

Per Joe’s wishes, no services are planned.

Memorials, if desired, may be made to Cameron County SPCA, 678 S. Mountain Road, Emporium, PA 15834

Funeral arrangements are under direction of Guenther Funeral Home Inc., 1303 E. State St., Olean, N.Y. Online condolences can be expressed at guentherfh.com.