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March 8, 2011
John J. “Smokey” Smolko, 82, of the Heights section of Wilkes-Barre, passed into Eternal Life in Williamsburg, Va., to rejoin his beloved wife, Rita, in heaven.
Born October 24, 1928, in Wilkes-Barre, he was a son of the late John and Philomena (Tkacik) Smolko. Educated in the city schools, he was a graduate of the James M. Coughlin High School, Wilkes-Barre.
Following his education, Mr. Smolko proudly served our country with the U.S. Navy in the Pacific Theater during the Second World War.
Until his retirement, he was employed as the head groundskeeper for King’s College, Wilkes-Barre, for over 25 years. Previously, he was employed as a furrier with the former Balut’s Furs in the Hotel Sterling, Wilkes-Barre, for many years. He was a member of Saint Nicholas Roman Catholic Parish, Wilkes-Barre.
He was preceded in death by his wife, the former Rita M. Brown, on May 4, 2005; and by a brother, Frank; and sisters, Frances and Mary Smolko.
Surviving are his children, Jack Smolko and his wife, Tracy, of Trinity, Fla.; Bob Smolko and his wife, Peggie, of Williamsburg, Va., and Deborah Smolko Mostashari and her husband, Shapoor, of Phoenix, Ariz.; grandchildren, including Robbie, Christopher and Jordan-Anne Smolko; a sister, Emily Polacheck, and her husband, Cyril, of Endicott, N.Y.; a sister-in-law, Ann Smolko of New Cumberland, Pa; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services for Mr. Smolko will be conducted at 9:30 a.m. Saturday from the John V. Morris-Charles J. Leagus Funeral Home, 281 E. Northampton St., Wilkes-Barre, followed by a funeral Mass at 10 a.m. in Saint Nicholas Roman Catholic Church, 226 S. Washington St., Wilkes-Barre, with the Rev. Thomas Carten, C.S.C. of King’s College, officiating. Interment will be next to his wife in Sacred Heart of Jesus Roman Catholic Cemetery, Dorchester Drive, Dallas. Relatives and friends may join his family for visitation and remembrances from 4 to 7 p.m. today at the funeral home.
In lieu of floral tributes, memorial contributions may be made to the Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
To send Smokey’s family online words of comfort, please visit our website at www.JohnVMorrisFuneralHomes.com.