George J. Evanko, 90

George J. Evanko, 90, of 100 Overlook Ave., Lancaster, passed away of natural causes at his home on Sunday morning, January 29^th, 2006.

Born in Winburn, PA, he was the son of the late Michael and Helen Welchko Evanko.

He enlisted in the PA State Police in 1938 and retired as a Lieutenant after 37 years service. His first assignment was to guard President Franklin Roosevelt when he dedicated the Peace Light Memorial on the Gettysburg Battlefield. He was stationed at barracks in Lancaster, Harrisburg, Gettysburg, Chambersburg, and Milton before retiring out of Troop J of Lancaster. His first 10 years he served as an undercover vice agent in central and western PA. Lt. Evanko was the father of retired PA State Police Commissioner, Col. Paul J. Evanko.

He was a member of the Serra Club of Lancaster, the State Police Retirees Association, a Life Member of the Elks in Gettysburg, and a Life Member of the Knights of Columbus Council 867.

After retirement, he was a drivers education instructor Elizabethtown Area High School, and also operated his own Driver’s Training School.

For many years, he volunteered as a driver for the Dominican Nuns of the Perpetual Rosary Monastery of the Immaculate Heart of  Mary in Lancaster.

George was a devoted member of St. John Neumann Catholic Church.

Surviving are his wife of 63 years, Helen, as well as 4 sons and daughters-in-law: George P. and family of Newtown Square, Paul J. and family of Harrisburg, Stephen M. and family  of Pequea, and Michael T. and family of Elizabethtown. He also had a special bond with his grandson, Kenneth, with whom he spent summer camping, fishing and golfing. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.

Friends will be received from the Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home and Chapel, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz on Wednesday from 7:00-9:00 p.m., with the recitation of the Rosary at 8:30 p.m., and again on Thursday from 9:30-10:30 p.m.  Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 601 E. Delp Rd., Lancaster, PA , with the interment to follow in St. Joseph New Catholic Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the Dominican Monastery of the Perpetual Rosary, 1834 Lititz Pike, Lancaster, PA 17601.