William Eugene Wasko

LTC William Eugene Wasko, 80, died September 6, 2013 at the family home in Madison Heights, VA. Born September 21, 1932 in East Millsboro, PA, he was the son of the late Steven Raymond Wasko and Jennie Felosky Wasko Blaney. Surviving are twin sons Theodore William Wasko (of Lockport, NY) and LTC Steven Eugene Wasko, United States Army, and daughter-in-law K Murphy Wasko (of Falls Church, VA). He was predeceased by his wife of 35 years, Louisa Rae Bernbach Wasko (1936-1997), First Lieutenant, Women’s Army Corps. LTC Wasko retired after a distinguished 28-year military career in the Army of the United States (AUS), with assignments to Germany, Alaska, and two tours of duty in the Vietnam War. A graduate of the Command and General Staff College, among the awards he earned were the Bronze Star, the Combat Infantryman Badge, and the Republic of Vietnam Staff Service First Class medal. After his lifelong service in the military, he joined the Department of Virginia Reserve Officers of America (ROA) and served as the ROA 6th Congressional District Liaison and was the Jubal A. Early Chapter President. As a member of the first graduating class of DeSales Catholic High School in Lockport, NY, he served as senior class vice president and attained salutary honors resulting in a scholarship to Niagara University in 1950. He earned a Bachelor of Sciences degree in Natural Sciences from Niagara University in 1954 where he was a member of the Reserve Officers Training Corps program graduating with a commission as a Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army. Following his military career, he was the circulation and marketing manager of the Lynchburg News and Daily Advance and retired after 20 years of faithful service. A man who enjoyed fishing, camping, and gardening, he was a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church in Lynchburg, VA where he served as an usher for many years. Following a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:00 a.m., Friday, September 13, 2013, at Holy Cross, he will be buried, with military honors, with his wife in Culpeper National Veterans Cemetery. Whitten Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Monelison Chapel is serving the family.