Edward V. Smolko

YOUNGSTOWN - Edward Valintine Smolko, passed away peacefully on June 30, 2025, at the age of 80.

Born on December 28, 1944, in Youngstown, 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 September 7, 1965, and honorably discharged on September 5, 1967.

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

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday July 8, 2025 at 1PM at Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Poland Chapel, where calling hours will be held from 11AM to 1 PM.

Edward's family would 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 also 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