Thomas J. Smitko

Thomas Joseph Smitko, 86, of North Kansas City, Missouri, passed away peacefully, September 3, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He battled Rheumatoid Arthritis for over 40 years and finally succumbed to complications from the disease. Born in Chicago, December 6, 1939, Tom spent his childhood developing his love for the water at Maple Lake in Paw Paw, Michigan.
By trade, Tom worked as a trainer for Santa Fe Railroad. Additionally, he worked as a translator for Christian Foundations for Children and Aging. In their later years, Tom and his wife Diane became house parents at the New Mexico Boys and Girls Ranch. For their retirement, they enjoyed 11 wonderful years at their lake home in Sunrise Beach, Missouri.
Tom's true passion was actively doing our Lord's work on earth. He volunteered with Catholic Charities, Camdenton County Jail Ministry, Meals on Wheels, Saint Luke's Hospice and numerous others. He had a special way of comforting others in their time of need. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Isabel Smitko, his wife Diane and his sister Cynthia. Tom is survived by his three children, Rebecca (Roland) Stone, Brian (Christine Rogan) Smitko, and Brent (Sara) Smitko. His nine precious grandchildren, Aidan, Ethan, Erian, Alyson, Brianna, Nicholas, Parker, Riley and Dawson.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at Twelve Apostles Catholic Church 17900 Humprey's Road, Platte City, Missouri 64079. A lunch reception for friends and family will be held in the Church's lower level immediately following Mass. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to Saint Luke's Hospice House 3516 Summit Street, Kansas City, MO 64111.