John Lowber Salko Sr.; 77; of Fayette City; died Thursday; Feb. 5; 2004; in his home. He was born Aug. 31; 1926; in Fayette City; a son of the late Peter and Mary Stephens Salko. He was a member of Holy Spirit Roman Catholic Church and the American Slovanic Club; both in Fayette City; and a life member of the National Rifle Association. Mr. Salko was a veteran of World War II; having served with the U.S. Army. He was preceded in death by one brother and sister; Mike Salko and Mary Calcek. Surviving is his wife; Virginia Yensick Salko; one daughter and son; Susan Mardis and friend Frank Pilipovich and John Salko Jr. and wife Renee; all of Fayette City; one sister; Mary Hopper of Chico; Calif.; one brother-in-law and sister-in-law; Edward Calcek of Charleroi and Jean Salko of Newell; one son-in-law; Lloyd Mardis of Fayette City; six grandchildren; Susie Carol Mardis; Heather Mae Mardis Davis and husband Ronald; Julie Renee Smith and husband Anthony; John Eric Salko and friend Merilee Melvin; Nichole Salko and friend Timothy Lynch and Lisa Marie Salko and friend Justin Gardner; and one great-grandson; Hunter David Gardner. Friends will be received at the ELEY-McCRORY FUNERAL HOME INC.; 334 Main St.; on Friday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. and Saturday; Feb. 7 until 9:30 a.m.; when a blessing service will take place followed by a Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. in Holy Spirit R.C. Church; Fayette City; with the Rev. Fr. Leonard McAlpin as celebrant. Interment will follow in Belle Vernon Cemetery. A parish wake service will be held Friday at 7:30 p.m. in the funeral home.