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In Memory

Charlene A. Palko - Class Of 1958

Charlene A. Palko

DOB 12/22/1940

DOD 8/19/2019

Age 78

Last known residence  50 block of Meadow Lane in Levittown, Bucks County, Pa

She was born to Charles Palko and (Sophia) Anna Diorka, both born in Pa.

Charlene lived at 302 S West Blvd, Vineland, NJ until she was 9-1/2 years old, according to research done by amateur genealogist Pat Hause.    She went to elementary school at Central School in Vineland.   She participated in several baton twirling contests.

On March 2, 1950 Charlene’s life changed dramatically. Her mother, Anna, 32, died that day in Newcomb Hospital while giving birth to her son.  The baby died, too.    She was buried on March 4 at St Peter and Paul Ukrainian Church Cemetery, Millville, NJ.

Her father fell into a deep depression and was unable to take care of Charlene.

On September 23, 1950, a neighbor contacted police, stating that Charlene was not being properly taken care of and should be removed from the home.   Protective services came to the home with a doctor who diagnosed her with “childhood tuberculosis,” a treatable condition if caught and medicated in time.   At first, Charles would not let them take her, and refused to give them her clothes.   In the end, he gave in.

Less than 24 hours after Charlene was taken, Charles turned on the gas stove and died.   His cause of death was listed as asphyxiation.   He was 33.   He is buried with Anna.

Charlene went to live with her mother’s family in Bensalem.   She graduated from Bensalem High School in 1958.

She married Edwin L Sears in Aug 1960.   They lived at 3905 Nichol St, Newportville, Pa.   In May 1964, the house went up for sheriff sale.   The marriage also ended around that time.   There was no record of any children.

In August 1997, Charlene bought a house at 58 Meadow Lane, in Levittown, Pennsylvania.