Martin Sluka, 98, of Monaca, passed away Friday, June 1, 2012, at Veranda Place in South Beaver Township.

Born July 21, 1913, in Pittsburgh and moving to Monaca as a child, he was a son of the late George and Maria (Rucka) Sluka. Mr. Sluka was a US Army veteran of World War II and retired from St. Joe Minerals where he was employed as a machine operator. A lifelong member of the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in Monaca, he was devoted to his faith, his family and ?his boys?, the German shepherds he raised. Mr. Sluka was also a former member of the Beaver Valley Rifle & Pistol Club.

He leaves two step-daughters, Mary E. (the late Anthony) Ricciardi and Dorothy M. (the late Joseph) Markulin, both of Beaver; six step-grandchildren, Betty (the late Charles) Davies of Poland, OH, Richard (Terry) Markulin of Canfield OH, Susan Kalcevic in Fla., Robert (Nancy) Ricciardi of Freedom, Marianne (John) Tress of Poland, OH and Joseph (Jeannie) Ricciardi of Beaver; 17 step-great-grandchildren; numerous step-great-great-grandchildren and a nephew, Frank Sluka, Jr. of Hookstown.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Sluka was preceded in death by his first wife, Mildred in February 1972; his second wife, Catherine on January 5, 1997; two brothers and a sister-in-law, George Sluka and Frank (Regina) Sluka.

Friends will be received Sunday from 3 to 6 p.m. in the Simpson Funeral & Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Ave., Monaca. Friends will also be received Monday from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. in the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, Monaca. PLEASE MEET AT THE CHURCH ON MONDAY.

Interment will follow in Union Cemetery.

The family suggests that memorial contributions may be made, if desired, to Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, 819 Washington Avenue, Monaca, PA 15061.

To share online condolences, get directions and other information, please visit simpsonfuneralhome.com.