Eugene Robert Smolko Jr.

Eugene Robert Smolko Jr. was born on May 20, 1971, to Ann Marie (Russin) and Eugene Robert Smolko Sr. He passed away on March 15, 2024, at Hospice House of Spokane surrounded by his loving family.

Gene stayed in touch with his Delta Sigma Phi fraternity brothers from the University of Pittsburgh and considered his college years to be some of the best of his life. He loved Pitt basketball, the Pittsburgh Steelers and had season tickets to the Seattle Sounders for 10 years.

Gene was an avid reader and loved science fiction books, TV shows and movies. He enjoyed video games and board games and had a large board game collection. Gene was a big fan of Critical Role, an online Dungeons & Dragons show, and took a special trip to New York City in 2018 to see their live show in person.

Gene passed away at age 52 after a 13-month battle with glioblastoma. He was stubborn and courageous until the end. He will be sadly missed by his wife of 16 years, Mary McCalla, of Spokane, Wash.; sister, Paula and Davey West, of Peckville, Pa.; sister, Jennifer and David Hoyle, of Jermyn, Pa.; brother-in-law, David McCalla, of Yuma, Colo.; loving nieces and nephews, David Hoyle (Genevra, Calliope), Ian and Gina Hoyle (Jude), Mora Hoyle and Tommy Mauro, Victoria and Cory Hanson (Sofia, Lincoln), Nicholas Valvano; aunt, Joan Smolko; uncle, Eugene Russin; uncle, Joseph Smolko; and many cousins and friends.

A private service was held in Spokane, Wash. Memorials can be made to Hospice House at Hospice of Spokane, or the Queen of Angels Church (c/o Bread Basket) 320 First Ave., Jessup, PA 18434.