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James Smolko Obituary
May 17, 1935 - March 19, 2017
York
James Regis Smolko, MD, 81, died Sunday, March 19, 2017 at York Hospital. He was the husband of Helen (Bakale) Smolko. Dr. and Mrs. Smolko were married for 58 years.
Born May 17, 1935 in Johnstown, PA, he was the son of the late John and Theresa (Brisini) Smolko.
Dr. Smolko was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving during Vietnam. He was awarded the Bronze Star, the Combat Medical Badge, Army Commendation Medal, and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry.
Jim was a 1953 graduate of Portage Joint High School. He attended Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA and graduated in 1957 from Franklin and Marshall College. Dr. Smolko graduated from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. He served his internship at York Hospital and his anesthesiology residency at the University of Maryland. Dr. Smolko was a practicing physician since 1962 and retired in 1999 from Anesthesia Associates of York. He served as Chairman of the Department of Anesthesiology at York Hospital and was a past president of the Medical Staff at York Hospital. He was a member and past president of the York County Medical Society and a member of the Pennsylvania Medical Society.
Dr. Smolko was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church of York, York Catholic Professional Organization, and Rotary Club of York-East. Jim was an active member of the local chapter of Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.
Jim was devoted to his wife, family and friends.
In addition to his wife, Helen, Jim is survived by his four children, James M. Smolko, MD and wife, Cheryl A. Doland, MD of York, Laura J. Rizzo and husband, Joseph M. of Mountville, John R. Smolko of York, and Jennifer S. Vey and husband, Douglas W. of Baltimore; 10 grandchildren, Alicia (Chris), Natalie (Mike), Anne, Hannah, Nicholas, Sarah, Samantha, Leah, Charlie, and James; a niece, Beth Garner and her husband, David; and a great-niece, Emma. He was preceded in death by his sister, Jean M. Spangler.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, March 24, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 2935 Kingston Road, York, with Father Louis Petruha, OFM, Cap. officiating. Burial will be in Holy Saviour Cemetery with graveside military rites conducted by the York County Veterans Honor Guard. Visitations will be held Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. and Friday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. both at the church.
Memorial contributions may be made to Salvation Army of York, 50 East King Street, York, PA 17401, Catholic Harvest Food Pantry, 628 East Market Street, York, PA 17403, or to LifePath Christian Ministries (formerly York Rescue Mission), P.O. Box 1968, York, PA 17405-1968.
Arrangements by the Etzweiler Funeral Homes and Cremation Service, 1111 E. Market St., York.
www.etzweilerfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Smolko
Sponsored by InYork.com.
Tom Ryscavage MD
March 15, 2023
Great man. Great Physician. From `The Region´.
Jim Murray
June 26, 2020
I served under Captain James Smolko In the 9th infantry Division in Vietnam in 1967 -1968. He told us to call him Jim and never pulled rank on us but there was never a question that we would have unanimously elected him our leader had the Army not appointed him so. Jim did not want to be in Vietnam as he had (I thought) 3 very young kids and had just started a medical group back in PA but Jim would never ask others to do anything he Himself would not do. Jim was not afraid to speak up to his superiors to protect the lives of his men if he thought there was a way to accomplish the same goal in a safer manner. Not to be forgotten, was that Jim was a helluva doctor whose professional skills kept quite a few of us alive until we were evacuated to the field hospital in the Saigon Area. Finally, while I was single, not a MD and several years younger than Jim, he was a friend and I am embarrassed that I did not keep in touch with him after my return to the states.
Tom Ryscavage MD
March 15, 2019
Jim was a truly and extremely rare great man. Whenever I heard or hear his name it brings a smile of gratitude to my life.
Thomas Ryscavage, M.D.
March 25, 2017
I just heard that Jim passed away. He was one of the best Physicians that I worked with over the years but more importantly he was one of the best human beings that I have ever met. A gift from God to us.
Lynne and Marty Shapiro
March 23, 2017
We were so sad to hear about Jim. He was so much fun to be with,and a dear friend. He was one of the best--intelligent, congenial, and compassionate. He always gave the best advice. We will miss him very much.
Patrice Buss
March 22, 2017
So sad to hear of Dr. Smolko's passing. My love to Laura and Joe and the rest of the family. We had a connection when Laura married my brother since I worked for an anesthesia group in Allentown. He was such an easy person to speak to about many subjects. He has now entered his eternal kingdom with our Lord and Savior. You will be missed.
March 21, 2017
James' daughter-in-law, Cheryl, was my roommate in medical school, maid of honor at my wedding and wonderful friend ever since. Prayers are with you and your family.
Cynthia Britton MD
Lou Pioli
March 21, 2017
I am saddened by the loss of a good friend, poker and golfing partner, as well as occasional lunches together. His good nature and pride in his military service along with a very caring nature after my wife passed away will always bring back wonderful memories. Also, I will never forget the time he came to my aid, making a "house call", to remove a bug from my ear!
I wish to extend my deepest sympathy to Helen and family as you experience the absence of a devoted husband, father and grandfather.
May Jim experience the beauty and splendor of Heaven as he sits around the table of Our Lord in the presence of Our Saviour, His Blessed Mother Mary, and her Spouse, Joseph!
March 21, 2017
Jim was an excellent physician. He occupied and served well in positions of leadership in medicine. Cared deeply about people and was ready and able to pitch in for anybody.
His character and skills touched all of us. This man serves as a model to be emulated and honored.
Joe Danyo
Ivan and Fran Butler
March 20, 2017
Jim will be in our hearts and will be remembered
as a special person who was a dedicated, loyal, and caring friend. He will be missed
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