Joseph Carl Kasko

Joseph Carl Kasko lived a full life defined by family, friendship and a good story. He died June 28, 2026, in Wyomissing, Pa., at the age of 89.

Born April 17, 1937, in McKees Rocks, Pa., Carl was the son of Joseph and Rose Kasko. He graduated from McKees Rocks High School in 1955 before attending Virginia Military Institute, where he became the first person in his immediate family to earn a college degree, graduating in 1959.

VMI remained one of the great passions of his life. He was a starting end on the Keydets' nationally ranked 1957 football team and never lost his connection to the school. He followed VMI sports, stayed in touch with teammates and alumni, and spoke often and proudly about his years there. After college, he served in the U.S. Army Reserves.

Carl built a career as a chemist that took him from Pennsylvania to New Jersey and eventually to Mobile, Ala., where he lived for more than 20 years. He was proud of the work he did, but he rarely defined himself by his career.

He defined himself by the people around him.

He was a devoted husband to his wife, Phyllis, until her death in 2020. He also remained a close friend of his former wife, Carol MacCallum, throughout his life. He loved being a father to Paul, Peter and Cindy, but his favorite title may have been "Pap." His six grandchildren knew him as the grandfather who always had time for them, and his four great-grandchildren brought him enormous joy.

Carl had a gift for making and keeping friends. Some of his closest friendships began in elementary school and lasted a lifetime. He loved golf, traveling, trying new restaurants and cheering for Pittsburgh's sports teams.

More than anything, Carl loved telling stories. Whether he was reminiscing about growing up in McKees Rocks, his football days at VMI, his travels or family adventures, he had a way of bringing people into the moment. Late in life, he put many of those memories into a memoir so his children, grandchildren and generations still to come would know where they came from and the life he had lived. It was one final gift to his family.

He is survived by his children, Paul Kasko, Peter Kasko and Cindy Bohr; his grandchildren, Alex Bohr, Caitlin Mullins, Nicholas Kasko, Marie Rose Kasko, Lukas Kasko and Jackson Kasko; his great-grandchildren, Penelope Mullins, Nolan Mullins, Emery Bohr and Claire Bohr; and his sister, Geraldine Petro.

Services will be held in private at the convenience of the family. Kuhn Funeral Home is honored to serve the Kasko family. Condolences may be expressed at kuhnfuneralhomes.com.