Stephen Michael Smolko, Jr.

Stephen Michael Smolko, 89, of Dunn, North Carolina died February 12, 2024. He was born January 30, 1935, in Clearfield County, Pennsylvania. One of ten children in a coal mining family, Stephen took up the promise of a better life through service to his country, enlisting in the US Air Force at 19.  He saw the Pacific as a radio repairman assigned to Taiwan. Upon his return to the States, he was stationed in South Carolina, where he met his wife of 63 years, Sharon Faye Smolko (née Brigman). They built a family together in Rockaway, New Jersey, but ultimately returned to the Carolinas in 1994. Stephen was a man of quiet routine in his private life — a perfect foil to his wife’s outspokenness. However, he never met a stranger, and had a smile that could light up any room. He was an avid fisherman, a lover of classic country music, and was always happy to stop by a casino for an hour or two. Above all else, he was a devoted family man who poured every ounce of love, worry, and passion he had into his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Stephen was preceded in death by his beloved wife; parents Stephen and Anna; sisters Rose Kochan and Mary Jane Perks; and brothers Andrew, John, Martin, and Edward.

He is survived by his daughters, Karen Carpenter (Allen) and Deborah Spencer (Edward); sisters Susan Conley (Charles), Marge Clark, and Anna Marie Concel (Vincent); grandchildren Thomas Spencer (Cara), Heather Koblanski (Darci), Brent Spencer (Samantha), Erik Spencer (Rhiannon), and Stephen Smolko II (Kat); and great-grandchildren Cole, Madison, Everleigh, Connor, Rowynn, Lydia, and Stevie.

As per his request, there are no services planned.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Alexander Funeral and Cremation Service.

Condolences may be sent to www.alexfuneralservice.com