Walter “Walko” Smodic
Walter “Walko” Smodic, 94,of Masontown, died Tuesday, October 6, 2009 at home. He was born on March 2, 1915, in Wickhaven, Pa., the son of the late Joseph and Mary (Mitis) Smodic.
He grew up in Gates, Pa. and attended German Township School.
Walko will be remembered as an outstanding left handed pitcher playing for many of the county league baseball teams. He was a member of the Big Ten Baseball League and was inducted into the Fayette County Baseball Hall of Fame.
He was a life time member of Pals Social Club, having served as its treasurer for many years. In 1989 he was honored as their member of the year. He was instrumental in helping to establish the Little Knights Baseball League. He served as a coach for numerous seasons.
Before retiring he was employed as a Mine Foreman at Maple Creek Mine, U.S. Steel and was also a member of the UMWA Local 1248.
He and his wife, Mary were longtime members of the Golden Agers Club where they enjoyed traveling by bus to many parts of the country. Walko was also a member of the U.S. Steel Pensioners’ Club and served as treasurer. He attended his last luncheon meeting this past July.
Walko enjoyed many days at the Masontown Senior Citizens Center where, until his illness, was a member of the center’s dartball team. He looked forward to meeting his buddies and sharing a cup of coffee.
Walko was predeceased by his parents and brothers, Joe, Frank, Vince and Paul (Nutzy) and son-in-law, Frank Park.
He was the last remaining member of his family.
Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 62 years, Mary (Kovach) Smodic; son, Walter Smodic and wife, Debby and daughter, Deborah Smodic Park; grandchildren: Ryan, Alan, Tiffany and Ashley Smodic and Adrienne and Frank Park; one great-grand-daughter, Lucy Smodic and good friend, Charlie Ball.
Family and friends will be received in the JOHN S. MAYKUTH FUNERAL HOME, corner of Church and 7 River Avenue, Masontown, Pa., (today)_ Thursday, from 10 to 11 a.m. when a Prayer Service will be held in the Funeral Home Chapel with Father Damiem Murkley, OFM officiating.
Interment will follow in the LaFayette Memorial Park, Brier Hill, Pa.
The family would like to extend their thanks to Albert Gallatin Hospice, especially Tina and Joe who took exceptional care of “Pap” during his illness.
The family asked that you consider, in lieu of flowers, making donations to the Masontown Senior Citizens’ Center, 22 S. Main St., or the German Masontown Public Library, 9 S. Washington St., Masontown.