Obituary of Angelo Joseph Elko, Sr.

On Saturday, April 08, 2023, Angelo Joseph Elko, Sr, 75, of Gaston, SC passed away peacefully after a long battle of health issues, surrounded by his wife and three children.

Angelo “AJ” was born to George and Angeline Elko on November 12, 1947, in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. After 20 years of service in the United States Air Force, he retired on Andrews Air Force Base in 1987. AJ enjoyed hunting with his brothers and family. He was a huge fan of the “King of Rock and Roll” Elvis Presley and he would perform karaoke as he had a love for singing and could belt out a tune. He also took opportunities to sharpen his skills by participating in recreational shooting.

He is survived by his wife, Wanda Beth Elko; the former Susana Matos-Elko, his children and spouses, Mary Drotos (Steven) of Warrenton, Va. Angelo Elko, Jr. (Lacey) of Davidson, NC. Tanya Williams (Marlon) of Haymarket, Va. and his seven grandchildren; and stepchildren, John Hendrix and Julianna Shetterly; his siblings Georgia Gray (Joseph) of Larksville, Pa., George Elko of Mountaintop, Pa., John Elko (Lauren) of Larksville, Pa., Phyllis DeMettro (Vincent) of Wilkes-Barre, Pa., James Elko (Vicki) of Larksville, Pa., Darlene Swaboski (James) of Larksville, Pa. and many nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Angeline Elko, and brother Robert Elko.

A Celebration of Life will be conducted at New Hope Baptist Church and a military funeral ceremony will be planned for Arlington National Cemetery which information will be provided at a future date.

Always loved…
Forever missed…
Never forgotten…

South Carolina Cremation Society is assisting the family. Family and friends may sign the online guest book by clicking on the “Tribute Wall” tab above.