Philip F. Vasko

January 25, 1937 - November 9, 2016

Philip F. Vasko, 79, of Chapel Hill, passed away November 9, 2016 at WakeMed Hospital in Cary. He was born January 25, 1937 to the late Frank and Mary Mae (Steck) Vasko in Youngstown, Ohio. He is also predeceased by one son, Kenneth Vasko, one brother and one sister. Philip served his country in the U.S Coast Guard from 1955-1959 and later with the Coast Guard Auxiliary in Williamsburg, VA and in Cary, NC. He also had a long career with the Central Intelligence Agency from 1959 until his retirement in 1988. His work took him to many lands including; Cyprus, Japan, Iran, Ethiopia, Laos, and the Philippines. He was awarded the CIA Medal of Merit in 1988. While taking pride in serving our country, his greatest joy was serving his church family. Philip was a Cantor in the Catholic Church choirs, a Pastoral Council Representative in 3 churches, a Stephens minister, minster to the homebound, and a funeral consultant ministry. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years Beverly Vasko of Chapel Hill, NC, sons Philip Vasko of Vienna, VA, and Matthew Vasko of Apex, NC, daughter Diane Hilow (Christopher) of Phoenix, AZ, and grandchildren Courtney, Kyle, and Kara Hilow, and Zachary and Adam Vasko. A visitation will be held Thursday, November 17, 2016 from 5:00 - 6:00 PM at St. Andrew The Apostle Catholic Church, 3008 Old Raleigh Rd, Apex, NC 27502. A Funeral Mass with military honors will follow at 6:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Catholic Charities, 7200 Stonehenge Drive, Raleigh, NC 27613.