Eileen Antoinette (Vendura) DeBalko

Eileen Antoinette DeBalko, 75, of Kelayres, passed away Tuesday evening at her home surrounded by her beloved family.

         Born in Hazleton on October 27, 1942, she was the daughter of the late Charles and Mildred (McAloose) Vendura.

         Eileen was a member of St. Michael’s B.C. Church, McAdoo.

         She was a graduate of McAdoo High School, class of 1960.

         Eileen grew up in Kelayres with her parents and five siblings.  At the age of 17, during a high school dance, she met her future husband, Gerald A. DeBalko.  Upon his return home from the military, they were married on November 2, 1963. Together, they had four children and as a family, they loved taking trips to West Point, Lake George and the beach.

         Eileen loved sewing, knitting, cooking and spending time with her family and grandchildren.

         Prior to retiring, she was employed at Northeast Counseling and Capriotti’s Catering.

         Preceding her in death, in addition to her parents, were her sisters Anna Mae Vendura, and Inez Scatton; and brother Peter Vendura.

         Surviving, are her husband Gerald A. DeBalko; daughters Eileen Bray and husband Michael, Mountain Top; Virginia Deshisky and husband Jack, Jacksonville, FL; son Gerald A. DeBalko, II and wife Angela, Reinholds; daughter Valerie Pedriani and husband Jason, New Haven, VT; grandchildren Sean, Scott and Julie Ashford, Kelly Deshisky, Dana, Nadine and Gerald DeBalko, and  Elijah and Sophia Pedriani; sister Josephine Brescia, Arizona; brothers Frank Vendura, Kelayres and Charles Vendura and wife Carol, Florida; and several nieces and nephews also survive.

         Her funeral will be held Monday at the Damiano Funeral Home Inc., Blaine and Cleveland Streets, McAdoo. Rev. Gregory Hosler will conduct the service at 11 a.m. in the funeral home.  Interment will follow in St. Michael’s B.C. Cemetery, McAdoo.

         Calling hours will be held Sunday from 5 to 8 p.m. in the funeral home.

         Condolences may be entered and information is available at www.damianofhinc.com.

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