Philip Charles Korejko

Philip Charles Korejko, age 74, of Atco, NJ, passed away on Saturday October 24, 2020. Loving and nurturing husband of Doreen Korejko (nee Corbett). Loving father of Benjamin (Charlene) Korejko and Karianne (Brian) Creedon. Proud Pop Pop of Emilee and Cassidy. Dear brother of Michael (Joan) Korejko, George (Rosemary) Korejko, JoAnn (late Barry) Becker, Edward Korejko, and Kevin (Denise) Korejko. He is also survived and will be sadly missed by his sister in law Kathleen (Byron) Waugaman, brother in law Robert Corbett. He is "Uncle Phil" to many nieces and nephews and their children. He may have secretly been everyone's favorite uncle. Phil was born in Philadelphia, PA, to his parents Emily and Michael Korejko. He was one of 7 children, raised in Magnolia, NJ and was a 40-year resident of Atco, NJ. Phil was drafted into the United States Army on March 8, 1966 at the age of 19. He went to basic training at Fort Dix, NJ and then advanced training at Fort Campbell, KY. He crossed the Pacific to Vietnam on Sept. 28, 1966 aboard troop ship USS General William Weigel. He arrived in Qui Nhon, Vietnam on Oct. 23, 1966 as part of the 54th Transportation Battalion, 523rd Transportation Company. He was later transferred to the 444th Transportation Company. His favorite time of the day was 4:44, maybe this is why? Phil transported various personnel and supplies to many landing zones, driving 2.5- and 5-ton vehicles. He served in various locations throughout his tour, including An Khe, Pleiku, Kom Tum of the central highlands, Bon Son, and Phu Cat, along the coastal highway Route 1. Phil left Vietnam in Sept. 1967 and was stationed at Fort Carson, CO. He was assigned to the Headquarter and Headquarters Company (driver for the Colonel), 2nd Battalion 10th Infantry, 5th Mechanized Infantry until being discharged March 7, 1968. He attained the rank of Specialist 4th Class and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with bronze service star, Vietnam Campaign Medal with device, and Good Conduct Medal. Phil safely returned home and was introduced to the love of his life, who needed a prom date at the time. Phil and Doreen were married August 16, 1969 and started their family. Phil went on to work as a State Trooper for the New Jersey State Police, ultimately retiring after 26 years with the rank of Lieutenant. He was proud to serve and protect. He lived the remainder of life with mantra of “Once a trooper, always a trooper.” He inspired his nephew Michael to become a state trooper, after a visit to Michael's classroom in third grade. The pride these two men felt for each other was immense. Later, Phil became a member of the Former State Trooper's Association and enjoyed his monthly get togethers. His granddaughter Emilee was just granted a scholarship through the association and again, immense pride. He went on to work as a senior bus driver for Archway and he also worked closely with his brother Kevin, for 10 years doing electrical work and building homes together and having some good laughs. In his retirement, Phil enjoyed being Pop Pop. He never missed an opportunity to be with Em & Cass. He attended every school function he could, from grade school on up. He was very excited and proud when Cassidy was elected President of her Sophomore class a few weeks ago. Phil enjoyed traveling the country in the RV with Doreen. They had many adventures together and enjoy the "glamping" lifestyle. Many nights were spent planning their next vacation. On a nice day he'd say "Let's take a ride" and they would drop everything and go. Who knows where they would end up, but it was always good. He also never missed a family party or function, which happens constantly in such a huge family. There is always a baby coming, there's always a wedding in the works, there's always the YMCA dance with the bride. Phil was always willing to lend a helping hand to any friend or family member at a moment’s notice, a trait carried by the entire Korejko family. Through all the things he did throughout his life, he could often be heard whistling along the way. A viewing will be held on Thursday October 29, 2020 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm and again on Friday October 30 from 9:30 to 10:30 am at the Leroy P. Wooster Funeral Home and Crematory, 441 White Horse Pike, Atco, NJ. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:00 am on Friday at Christ the Redeemer Parish/Assumption Church, 318 Carl Hasselhan Dr., Atco, NJ. Interment will follow at New St. Mary’s Cemetery, Bellmawr. Condolences may be shared at www.lpwoosterfuneralhome.com