Joseph “Josie” Salukas Jr., 73, of Girardville, passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with ALS, on Monday, May 18th, at Lehigh Valley Hospital–Cedar Crest, Allentown, with his family by his side.

Born in Ashland, he was a son of the late Joseph and Beatrice (Nojunas) Salukas. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Michelle Salukas, and a sister-in-law, Vicki Salukas.

Josie was a graduate of the former Cardinal Brennan High School, Class of 1970. For 51 years, he, alongside his wife, Claire, were the owners and operators of the world famous Tony’s Lunch in Girardville, where he became a familiar face and friend to generations of customers.

An avid golfer and fisherman, Josie also enjoyed playing darts and was known as one of the best pool shooters in the county. He enjoyed playing online poker for fun and was a devoted fan of Dallas Cowboys and Notre Dame football. Josie was also playing fantasy football long before it became what it is today and proudly played for many years with the same close-knit group of friends. Josie loved listening to music and always listened to the words.  

He was a lifetime member of the Rangers Fire Company in Girardville. Josie was also known as a great storyteller — where, as family and friends would say, “90% of it was truthful.” His humor, personality, and gift for conversation made him unforgettable to all who knew him.

While Josie leaves behind many cherished memories, his greatest legacy will continue through Tony’s Lunch, which his family will proudly carry on, with his grandson Brady behind the grill, who he trained prior to his illness.

Josie is survived by his wife of 51 years, Claire (Dando) Salukas of Girardville; by his daughter, Jennifer Kowalonek and her husband, Stefan, of Fountain Springs; by his son, Joseph Salukas III and his wife, Angela, of Gordon; by his brother, Michael Salukas of Philadelphia; by his two sisters, SueAnn Bann and her husband, Bernard, of Orwigsburg, and Elaine Kelly and her husband, Dan, of Girardville; and by his five grandchildren, Joseph Salukas IV, Brady Salukas, Claire, Alyza, and Francis Kowalonek. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Josie’s visitation on Saturday, May 23rd, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home, 403 West Main Street, Girardville. A prayer service will be held at 12:30 p.m. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family at Our Lady of Fatima Cemetery, Shenandoah Heights.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Joseph’s memory to Lehigh Valley ALS Center – Moments of Joy, 1250 South Cedar Crest Boulevard, Suite 405, Allentown, PA 18103.

Sign the guestbook, leave personal condolences, and for further information, please visit www.thomasmsullivanfuneralhome.com

Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home, Inc., Girardville, is in charge of the arrangements.