Elgie Darrell Gaborko, 83, of Dunbar PA passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sunday March 22, 2015 after a long term illness.

He was born December 23, 1931 to the late George Edward Gaborko and Ida Burkholder Gaborko and grew up on the family farm in Dunbar Township, PA. He attended school at West Leisenring Elementary and Dunbar Township HS.

He served honorably and faithfully in the U. S. Army Infantry (3rd Infantry Division, 7th Infantry) during the Korean War. After the Korean War, he served an additional 25 years in the U. S. Army Reserves (79th Infantry Division and the 429th Engineering Battalion) He retired a Sergeant First Class with 27 years of military service. He enjoyed attending the yearly reunions held for the 429th Engineering Battalion of the Army Reserves where he would reminisce about old memories and enjoy the company of old friends.

Elgie retired as a maintenance supervisor at Anchor Glass Container with 42-years of service. He spoke fondly of many of his fellow employees that worked with him and for him throughout the years. He was a member of St. Aloysius Church, Dunbar, PA. He was also a member of the Hopwood AMVETS George Marshall Post 103, Dunbar American Legion Post 0146, and the Connellsville VFW Post 21.

Elgie was predeceased by his wife of 30 years, Erma Nativio Gaborko, who passed away November 12, 1987. In addition to his parents, he was also predeceased by two brothers Earl Gaborko and Delbert Gaborko and four sisters, Freda Wilson, Geraldine Hyatt, Gladys Kurtz, and Wilma Gaborko.

He is survived by two children Randy Edward Gaborko (girlfriend Melinda Malone) and Pamela Neighbors (husband Carl). He is also survived by one brother, Harold Gaborko, from Sharon, PA and many nieces and nephews.

Growing up on a farm led Elgie to have a passion for gardening. He grew a garden for as long as he could and enjoyed sharing his vegetables with family, friends, and neighbors. When he could no longer grow his own garden his nephews kept him in vegetables from their gardens right up until the end.

Elgie had a tremendous love for his son and daughter and they were blessed to have him as a father. Always supportive, it was his goal in life to give them opportunities he did not have and to also give them his undying love. Hard work, education, never giving up, and treating others with fairness and kindness were all part of his teachings. He will be forever missed by his children.

A special and heartfelt thanks from the family goes out to his caretakers over the past years Cheryl Raffle, Melinda Malone, Dawna Colbert, and niece Carolyn Tressler. Their efforts and kindness made his everyday life enjoyable and sustainable. A special thanks to Fayette Nursing and staff especially to nurse Chris Obranovich for always going the extra mile. Special thanks also goes out to Dr. Richard Tiberio and his staff for all of their efforts and help. Thanks to family members, friends, and neighbors for their acts of kindness and goodness. All involved who loved and helped him enabled him to live his life in his home up until his death.

Friends will be received in the Stephan R. Haky Funeral Home 603 N. Gallatin Avenue Ext. Uniontown PA 15401, on Wednesday March 25, 2015 from 12 to 8 PM m and on Thursday March 26, 2015 until 9:15 a.m. when prayers of transfer will be said.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m., in St. Aloysius Church, Dunbar, PA with Fr. Micah E. Kozoil as celebrant.

Elgie will be laid to eternal rest at Sylvan Heights Cemetery, Uniontown, PA.

Military Honors will be accorded by the AMVETS Post 103 of Hopwood.

A parish wake service will be held on Wednesday at 2:30 PM in the funeral home chapel.

The family suggest memorial donations be made to the Heart and Lung Association.