John Vincent Lepko, Major, USAF (Retired)

November 15, 1931 – February 14, 2017

LEPKO, John Vincent U.S. Air Force Age 85, loving husband of Mary Anne Tkach, both from Yonkers, NY, and father of three: Mark, Kathy and Mary Lepko, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on February 14th, 2017.

Mr. Lepko was born on November 15th, 1931 to John and Sophie (Hunady) Lepko.

After graduating from Sacred Heart H.S. in Yonkers, Mr. Lepko attended and later graduated from the State University of New York, where he earned his Associates Degree. Following graduation, Mr. Lepko enlisted in the U. S. Air Force where he rose to the rank of Major.

Major Lepko, who served as a navigator and pilot of the C-124, then piloted the B-47 during the height of the Cold War, and finally the HH-43 rescue helicopter near Saigon, Vietnam and later in Thailand, earning the Bronze Star and the Distinguished Flying Cross for Valor and Bravery under fire, during combat. Major Lepko was stationed in many locations including TX, NH, and WA, before retiring from Homestead AFB in Florida.

After leaving the military, Mr. Lepko and his wife, owned and operated The Cheese Shop, located in the Swampscott Mall.

A service will be held Monday, February 20th, 2017 at St. John the Evangelist Church, 178 Humphrey Street, Swampscott, MA. Visitation will be held from 9am to 10 am at St. John’s Church, followed by a mass at 10am.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of John Lepko, to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, PO Box 50, Memphis, TN 38101-9929. For online guest book or additional information please call 978 744 0497 or visit www.MurphyFuneralHome.com

Published by Boston Globe from Feb. 17 to Feb. 18, 2017.