John J. Smutko
Born: Wed., Jul. 6, 1949
Died: Wed., Feb. 27, 2013
Visitation
5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Sun., Mar. 03, 2013
Location: Gubbiotti Funeral Home,LLC
Memorial Mass
10:00 AM Mon., Mar. 04, 2013
Location: Holy Family Parish
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John J. Smutko ,63,of West Wyoming passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 27, 2013 surrounded by his wife, son, and other family members.
John was a very devoted husband to his wife of 41 years the former, Ann Marie Pellegrini. His favorite pastime was spending his weekends outdoors with his son, Johnny.
John was a U.S. Navy Veteran having served during the Vietnam era and began his career working for over 30 years at Schott Glass Technologies in Duryea. He began his career as a machinist, was elected Vice President of their union, and later promoted to a supervisory position. He also was credited a prestigious award for his successful efforts to increase workplace efficiency. His last employment was at Don’s Machine Shop in West Pittston.
John willingly served as a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus, Assembly # 1928, Secretary of West Wyoming Hose Company #1, and was also a PIAA Umpire where he served on the executive board.
John was loved very much throughout his life. He enjoyed spending time with his wife and son, family and friends, and was always pleased to offer a helping hand wherever he could.
He was preceded in death by his brother James in 1987 and a sister Agnes.
In addition to his wife Ann Marie, West Wyoming and his son, John, Conshohocken, Pa., he is survived by numerous nieces and nephews and cousins.
Relatives and Friends may pay their respects on Sunday, March 3, 2013 ,from 5pm until 8pm at the Gubbiotti Funeral Home, 1030 Wyoming Ave., Exeter .
A memorial mass will be held Monday 10am at Holy Family Parish Church, Bennett St., Luzerne, with the Rev. Michael Zipay, as celebrant.
Memorial donations may be made to the Pancreatic Action Network at www.Pancan.org.
To send the family an expression of sympathy or an online condolence, please visit www.gubbiottifh.com
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Click the button to generate a printable document containing all condolences submitted
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Condolence Booklet
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Jason Loftus
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Posted Fri March 01, 2013
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Smutko family: I'd like to extend my deepest sympathies. I umpired with John for the last 10 years and have to express what a pleasure it was to not only have worked with him, but just to have known him as a person. As I was a young umpire, John would always go out of his way to make sure things went smoothly for me on the field and that is something I will certainly never forget. Any time I was given an assignment and told: "And you're with Smutko," I knew I was in for an enjoyable 2 hours or so, standing on the bases watching him do his thing. I hope all the great memories will guide you through this horrible time....and also hope that knowing of all the people whose lives he touched will leave a lasting impression as well. On behalf of the umpires in the district....thanks for sharing him with us for all these years...he will be sorely missed and forever appreciated.
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Mr. & Mrs. John Kovalcin & Daughter
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Posted Fri March 01, 2013
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Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. John umpired with us on many occasions and he has always been considered not just a brother in blue, but also a close friend. In his service to the Wyoming Valley Chapter of PIAA Baseball Officials, he was a fair and an active advocate for helping other umpires learn the craft that he had become so good at doing. He had great personality and was never afraid to speak up on behalf of others. On the baseball field he was accurate, knowledgeable and impartial. He will sorely missed but always remembered.
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Joseph Zampetti Jr.
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Posted Fri March 01, 2013
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Ann Marie, Johnny and The Smutko Family: I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to you and your family during this difficult time. John was great man, knowing him since Johnny and I where in grade school, he was always a joy to be around. I will remember him as my coach in little league and as one heck of an umpire! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
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Tina Dolgash & People's Choice Federal Credit Union Board & Staff
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Posted Fri March 01, 2013
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Ann Marie and JohnJr.,
Our love for John continues and alway will. He is an exceptional man. I worked with John at Schott for years and there wasn't a day he didn't wear a smile. It was probably due to the fact he had the most incredible wife and son that he cherished daily. I was so glad to have held him the night we performed at Bo Bros. I cherish those moments. The credit union is here for you for any want or need.
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Maureen Onda
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Posted Fri March 01, 2013
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Ann Marie & John Jr.,
Many years and miles have passed but I think of you often. I will miss Johnny very much and am very sorry that he has passed away. Please know that I send my deepest condolences and many prayers for your comfort. He will forever be in my memory as a sweet guy and a favorite cousin. With much love, Maureen and boys.
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Michael H. Cassetori
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Posted Fri March 01, 2013
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Ann Marie and Family:
Please accept my deepest sympathy. I was absolutely stunned to read of John's passing. It goes without saying that he was a great guy. I have nothing but fond memories of our high school days together. For example, I still have vivid memories of him driving his three speed Chevrolet to school each day, and his coming to class after football games with his hands bandaged from being in "combat". A physically "tough guy", he had a kind a gentle nature about him, and was always willing to help out a fellow classmate. I will always remember him as one of Exeter's best!
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Bill & Pam Slavinski
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Posted Fri March 01, 2013
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Dear Ann Marie and Johnny,
There are no words to express our deepest sympathies for both of you for the tremendous loss of such a wonderful person. John was the happiest person we ever met. You could never be around him and not be smiling from ear to ear or continuously laughing. Please know that support and love are with you both during this difficult time.
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Jeannie and Frank Falzone
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Posted Fri March 01, 2013
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Our heartfelt condolences to the Smutko Family
John was a great guy, always willing to spend the time to say hello and talk baseball. We will all miss him.
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Suzanne Mischianti
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Posted Fri March 01, 2013
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Dear Ann Marie and Family,
I am so sorry to hear of John' passing; my thoughts and prayers are with you. I remember so well that he was such a thoughtful person who was kind to everyone he met. It was always so apparent how much he loved you! May your many memories sustain you and bring you comfort during this difficult times.
Fondly, Suzanne
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Julie and Lou Lucarella
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Posted Sat March 02, 2013
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Ann Marie & Johnny...please accept our deepest sympathies. There are no words to describe how I felt when I heard that my dear friend had lost his battle. Over the years John and I shared many good laughs and conversations talking about our families. The last phone call we shared he didn't want to talk about how he was feeling but he did tell me that the "the big guy" didn't want him yet and he would be fine. We talked a little and he told me how you both were doing....what a saint his wife was for keeping up with his antics and how well Johnny was doing in his career. The love that he had for his family was very evident. I will miss our phone calls and his annual visit to SCHOTT. Special prayers for your comfort and strength knowing John is in the hands of our Lord and he is being taken care of. God bless you both.
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Steve Harmanos
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Posted Sat March 02, 2013
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Ann Marie and family,
Deepest sympathies on John's passing. I have many fond memories of John from grade school and high school.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
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Jim Gibbons
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Posted Sat March 02, 2013
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Ann Marie and Johnny
Our deepest sympathy on your loss. John will always be remembered as one of the happiest guys in Exeter. I have fond memories of our days at St John the Baptist and right on to Wyoming Area. What a special couple with a lasting love. Our prayers are with you as God gets a great player up in heaven.
Fondly
Dolly and Jim
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Gerry Dicton
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Posted Sat March 02, 2013
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Dear Annie and Johnny and family, I just cant imagine what a loss your dear husband ad father is. I'll keep you both in my prayers, and hope to see you at the funeral. Love you, gerry
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Janice Duffy
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Posted Sat March 02, 2013
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Dear Annie,
It was with extreme sadness that I learned about the loss of John. I know that he, along with Johnny, was the light of your life. I often think of you and how quickly time has gone by since St. Hedwig's. My love and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow. May your faith and memories bring you comfort.
Janice Duffy
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Gerald,Helena Bonito
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Posted Sat March 02, 2013
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Ann Marie,John Jr.
So sorry to hear about your loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to both of you.
If there is anything that we can do please let us know.
Love Helena and Jay
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mark schultz
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Posted Sat March 02, 2013
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Read in the paper about John's passing away. I'm so sorry, for you loss. I saw him during fall ball and it was like old times once again. He wasn't just a good man, he was a GREAT person. I'm honored that I had the opportunity to meet John as well as Mrs. Smutko & John Jr. in my life time. If you need anything don't hesitate to let me know. God Bless, Mark Schultz.
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Hromisin Family
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Posted Sun March 03, 2013
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Dear Folks,
Our heartfelt condolences on John's passing. There are many good Exeter memories. May you be strong and at peace.
Sincerely,
Mary Ellen and Jerry Hromisin
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Bill Space
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Posted Sun March 03, 2013
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Ann Marie and Family, My thoughts and prayers to you at this most difficult of times. I have fond memories of John and you, Ann Marie, and the "old days" at Exeter High School. Peace to you. Bill Space
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Frank Gawel
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Posted Sun March 03, 2013
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I was in shock when I read in the Pittston Dispatch about John's passing.I worked with John at Schott Optical back in the late 70's and early 80's. When my kids were in baseball John did a few of their games, it was good to see him then. I also worked with his brother Jimmy at Owens. Its a shame 2 great men, both taken too soon.
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Tracy Alexander
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Posted Mon March 04, 2013
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Dear Ann Marie and family,
All of you are in my thoughts and prayers. Thankfully, you have a wonderful, supportive family to help you through this very sad time. My condolences.
Sincerely,
Tracy Alexander
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Joe Sobeski
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Posted Mon March 04, 2013
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My heartfelt condolences to the Smutko Family. John was a great guy and a good friend. We met years ago while he was umpiring one of my baseball games and we had formed a bond since then. Anytime our paths would cross we would always have some interesting conversations and always ask how my kids were.
He will be missed!!
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The Fountain Family
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Posted Wed March 06, 2013
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Ann Marie & Family,
Please accept my belated condolences, as we were out of town this past weekend.
Please take comfort in knowing he will be sadly missed by all of his former classmates and friends. Take care.
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Pete Canavan
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Posted Wed March 20, 2013
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My deepest condolences on John's passing. I got to know him at Don's Machine Shop where he worked. He was a great guy and he will be missed. He was taken too early, and for that I am truly sorry for your loss.
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