Edward V. Smolko 1944-2025

Born Dec. 28, 1944, in Youngstown, Edward is a son of the late Valent and Anne Baytos Smolko.

A 1962 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School, Edward dedicated over 30 years of his life to Youngstown Welding and Engineering. As a skilled welder / fitter, he was known for his unwavering work ethic and his ability to fix and build anything. Those who knew him admired his craftsmanship and the pride he took in his work. He approached each task with precision and care, always willing to lend a hand to family, friends and neighbors alike.

Edward was a proud veteran of the United States Navy, having enlisted on Sept. 7, 1965, and honorably discharged on Sept. 5, 1967.

A devoted family man, Edward is survived by his wife, Nancy Copenhaver Smolko, whom he married Dec. 13, 1969; their children, Suzanne (James) Lockiec of Poland and Andrew (Ellin) Smolko of Salt Lake City, Utah; his grandchildren, Nathaniel Grantz, Carson, Abigail, Benjamin, Genevieve, Allison and Luke; and his sister, Marie (Edward) Budinsky of Ivins, Utah.

Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Poland Chapel, where calling hours will be 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Edward’s family would like to thank Patriot Home Care and Patriot Hospice for all of their care, with a special thank you to Jeff and Seth for all their help with therapy; and to the nursing staff for their support, Samantha, Tammy, Kim and Allison; and also the home care assistants, Stacy, Allie, Denise and Kelly. Patriot was a wonderful, caring service in their time of need.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Tunnels to Towers Foundation, www.t2t.org.

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