Joseph J. Smolko, 84, a resident of Swoyersville, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday morning, May 04, 2013, at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, Plains Township.

His loving wife is Pauline (Slipetz) Smolko. Together, Joe and Pauline shared 59 beautiful years of marriage.

Born on June 07, 1928 in Wilkes-Barre, Joseph was the son of the late Albert and Sophie (Piontek) Smolko.

Raised in Wilkes-Barre, Joe was a graduate of James M. Coughlin High School.

A United States Navy Veteran, Joe honorably served his country during the Korean War. For the majority of his enlisted time, Joe served aboard the U.S.S. Cone as a Culinary Specialist and was awarded the Navy Occupation Service Medal. Joe received his honorable discharge on December 18, 1952, after nearly 4 years of service.

Prior to his retirement, Joe was employed for over 30 years as a delivery man for the former Purvin Dairy, Wilkes-Barre. Following retirement, he worked part-time for A&A Auto, Wilkes-Barre, in their maintenance department.

A faithful Catholic, Joe was a longtime member of the former Holy Name/Saint Mary’s Parish Community, Swoyersville. Active within in church, he was a member of the parish’s Holy Name Society and was instrumental in helping with the parish’s annual bazaar.

Following the consolidation of his parish last year, Joe became a member of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Swoyersville.

An avid sports enthusiast, Joe always enjoyed watching various sporting events, especially football games.

Joe had a great love for his family and he cherished the time he had with all of his loved ones. His three grandchildren were the light of his life and he had a special bond with each one of them. Joe and Pauline enjoyed taking their grandchildren on various trips throughout the years, especially their trips to Disney World and other amusement parks.

Though Joe’s presence will be deeply missed, the lasting memory of him will continue to live on in the hearts of his family and friends.

In addition to his parents, Albert and Sophie Smolko, Joe was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Griglock.

In addition to his loving wife, Pauline, Joe is survived by his son, Joseph A. Smolko and his wife, Linda, of Pelham, New Hampshire; his three grandchildren, Matthew, Nicole and Kathryn Smolko; his sisters, Sophie Konieczny, of Jenkins Township and Emily DeAngelis, of Plains; his numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Relatives and Friends are invited to call on Tuesday, May 07, 2013, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM, at the Wroblewski Funeral Home, Inc., 1442 Wyoming Avenue, Forty Fort. The Confraternity of Christian Women of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish will recite the Rosary on Tuesday evening at 6:30 PM.

The funeral will be conducted on Wednesday, May 08, 2013, at 9:30 AM from the Wroblewski Funeral Home, Inc., 1442 Wyoming Avenue, Forty Fort, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10:00 AM in Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, 116 Hughes Street, Swoyersville, with the Reverend Joseph J. Pisaneschi, his Pastor, officiating.

Interment with the Rite of Committal will follow in Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Cemetery, Dallas, where Military Honors will be accorded by the United States Navy.

For additional information or to send the Smolko Family an online message of condolence, you may visit the funeral home web-site www.wroblewskifuneralhome.com.