James Regis Smolko, MD, 81, of York died Sunday, March 19, 2017 at York Hospital. He was the husband of Helen (Bakale) Smolko. Dr. and Mrs. Smolko were married for 58 years.

Born May 17, 1935 in Johnstown, PA, he was the son of the late John and Theresa (Brisini) Smolko.

Dr. Smolko was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving during Vietnam. He was awarded the Bronze Star, the Combat Medical Badge, Army Commendation Medal, and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry.

Jim was a 1953 graduate of Portage Joint High School. He attended Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA and graduated in 1957 from Franklin and Marshall College. Dr. Smolko graduated from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. He served his internship at York Hospital and his anesthesiology residency at the University of Maryland. Dr. Smolko was a practicing physician since 1962 and retired in 1999 from Anesthesia Associates of York. He served as Chairman of the Department of Anesthesiology at York Hospital and was a past president of the Medical Staff at York Hospital. He was a member and past president of the York County Medical Society and a member of the Pennsylvania Medical Society.

Dr. Smolko was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church of York, York Catholic Professional Organization, and Rotary Club of York-East. Jim was an active member of the local chapter of Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.

Jim was devoted to his wife, family and friends.

In addition to his wife, Helen, Jim is survived by his 4 children, James M. Smolko, MD and his wife, Cheryl A. Doland, MD of York, Laura J. Rizzo and her husband, Joseph M. of Mountville, John R. Smolko of York, and Jennifer S. Vey and her husband, Douglas W. of Baltimore; 10 grandchildren, Alicia (Chris), Natalie (Mike), Anne, Hannah, Nicholas, Sarah, Samantha, Leah, Charlie, and James; a niece, Beth Garner and her husband, David; and a great niece, Emma. He was preceded in death by his sister, Jean M. Spangler.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, March 24, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 2935 Kingston Road, York with Father Louis Petruha, OFM, Cap. officiating. Burial will be in Holy Saviour Cemetery with graveside military rites conducted by the York County Veterans Honor Guard. Visitations will be held Thursday from 5:00-8:00 p.m. and Friday from 9:30-10:30 a.m. both at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to Salvation Army of York, 50 East King Street, York, PA 17401, Catholic Harvest Food Pantry, 628 East Market Street, York, PA 17403, or to LifePath Christian Ministries (formerly York Rescue Mission), P.O. Box 1968, York, PA 17405-1968.

Arrangements by the Etzweiler Funeral Homes and Cremation Service, 1111 East Market Street, York, PA 17403.