SHARON, Pennsylvania (MyValleyTributes) – Virgil K. Stoke, 83, of Sharon, passed away on Friday, November 10, 2023, in UPMC Horizon Hospital, Farrell.              

Mr. Stoke was born on November 9, 1940, in East Mead Township, Crawford County, Pennsylvania, a son of the late Lawrence and Lena (Simmons) Stoke.

He attended Titusville High School and served his country in the U.S. Navy. While serving in the Navy, he worked as a machinist aboard a steamship.

Following his honorable discharge, he worked for Cooper-Bessemer at the former Grove City location. Virgil ultimately retired as a coil winder at the former Sharon Transformer Division of Westinghouse Electric Corp.

An avid outdoorsman, he was passionate about hunting, fishing and camping. He and his wife had a camp at Plantation Park, Mercer, since 1978. He also enjoyed playing board games and cards with his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, the former Martha Long, whom he married on May 28, 1963; two daughters, Debra (John) Miller of Grove City and DiNell Schuster of Sharon; three sons, James (Paula) Stoke of Wheatland, John (Denise) Stoke of St. Augustine, Florida and Joseph (Cristi) Stoke of Berlin Center, Ohio; 12 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren and two brothers, Larry (Marge) Stoke of Utah and Clair (Mary) Stoke of Mercer.

In addition to his parents, Virgil was preceded in death by eight siblings.

The family suggests memorial contributions be directed to the Mercer County VA, 14 Courthouse, Mercer, PA 16137.

There will be a memorial service at a later date.

Memorial services have been provided by J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc.

A television tribute will air Monday, November 13 at the following approximate times: 7:10 a.m. on FOX, 12:22 p.m. on WKBN, 5:08 p.m. on MyYTV and 7:27 p.m. on WYTV. Video will be posted here the day of airing.