Joseph Zakalyk, 97, of Morganville, passed away on Wednesday, February 13, 2019 at the Manor Health and Rehabilitation Center in Freehold, NJ. He was born on October 22, 1921 to Dimetro and Barbara Zakalyk in Brooklyn, NY. He grew up in Frenchtown, NJ, where at age 19, he enlisted in the United States military. Joseph served his country proudly and honorably in the Army Air Force. He first enlisted in 1942, and by 1944 he earned the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was a member 745th Bombardment Squadron of the 456th Bombardment Group, where he was assigned to the crew of a B-24 as a waist gunner on a .50 caliber machine gun. Joseph was a great marksman, and very much enjoyed his time in the military. He participated in 35 bombing missions in total. Most notably, his unit was involved with the final Allied mission in Italy, which ended with the surrender of the German forces. Upon his discharge in 1945, he was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Ribbon with a bronze star, and the Air Medal with three bronze oak leaf clusters. After his discharge from the Army, he married his wife, Margaret. They lived in Fords, NJ, where they owned and operated the Highland Grove Swim Club for 20 years. After selling the business in the 1960's, he opened his own construction company, where he became known as "Backhoe Joe". In total, he worked for over 80 years before finally retiring. Joseph is survived by his daughter, Darlene Zarnock; and his grandson, EJ Zarnock. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Margaret Zakalyk; father, Dimetro Zakalyk; and mother, Barbara Zakalyk. Visitation will be held Monday, February 18, 2019, 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm at Waitt Funeral Home, Morganville, NJ. Visitation will conclude with Military Honors. Cremation will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in Joseph's memory are suggested to AMVETS of New Jersey, or the American Heart Association. Online condolences can be given at www.waittfh.com . Sympathy Store