Emil Lesko, landscape architect

Emil Lesko, 93, of Ocean View, formerly of Pittsburgh, Pa., Parma, Ohio, and Fairfax, Va., passed away Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2011, with his loving son by his side. He was born Jan. 1, 1918, in Passaic, N.J., son of the late John and Ilona (Milulik) Lesko.

Mr. Lesko served his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II, with combat in the Pacific.  After the war he attended Pennsylvania State University School of Arts and Architecture, graduating in 1950 with a degree in landscape architecture.  During his career as a landscape architect, he specialized in site planning and recreational design.

He was a parishioner of St. Ann's Catholic Church of Bethany Beach, and was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Penn State University Alumni Association and the American Society of Landscape Architects.

In July of 2003 Mr. Lesko wrote a book, “Whistle Stop,” in which he recounted his childhood and reminisced about his school and college days. He extolled three basic principles on which he was raised: Love of God, Love of Country and Love of Fellow Man. A loving husband, father, brother and dear friend, he will be missed by all who knew him.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Lesko was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Eleanor (Dizak) Lesko (2004); his son Ronald Lesko; and his six siblings: Michael Lesko, George Lesko, John Lesko, Ann Kozusko, Helen Rogers and Peggy Boyce. He is survived by son E. Lewis Lesko of Ocean View and many dear friends.

Interment was in Plum Creek Cemetery, Pittsburgh, Pa. Arrangements were handled by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Ocean View.