Joseph F. Shalanski, of Heritage Hill Senior Community, Weatherly, will soon celebrate his 98th birthday.

Formerly of Conyngham, he was born in Warrior Run on Feb. 1, 1916. One of five children in his family, he graduated from Warrior Run High School and enlisted in the U.S. Navy.He served as a seaman on an LST (Landing Ship, Tank) during World War II. He received a number of combat medals as the ship saw action in both the European and Pacific theaters.He married Adele Kashulon on Feb. 23, 1946. They were married for 57 years, until her death in 2003.They have one son, Dr. John Shalanski, who is married to Mary Jo.Joseph has two grandsons, Corey and Ned.Joseph retired in 1982 from Eberhard Faber Pencil Company in Mountain Top.He is a life member of the American Legion, a member of the VFW Post 8161 in Conyngham, a member of The Six County Fireman's Association, and a parishioner at St. John Bosco Parish in Conyngham.