John Joseph Simko, 45, of Milton died peacefully surrounded by his family on October 23rd following a 2 ½ year battle with pancreatic cancer.
John was born in Philadelphia, PA on May 11, 1964. He graduated from West Catholic High School in Philadelphia and received both a BA and Masters in Education from UVM. He was on the UVM basketball team from 1983-1986, and was captain of the team in 1983. He earned an MBA from the University of Phoenix.
John started his lifelong career in education at Burlington High School as an Alternative Educator and JV Basketball Coach. His interest in business and finance led him to a brief stint at Putnam Investments. However, he eventually returned to his love of teaching children. He became a Special Educator at BFA Fairfax, and finally at Swanton Central School. It is there that he found himself surrounded by a wonderful group of friends and colleagues who continued to support him throughout his illness. Their generosity and kindness is unmatched. He was also a Library Trustee for the Milton Public Library, as well as a Eucharistic Minister for St. Ann’s Parish in Milton.
On September 18th 1993, John married Veronica and together they made their home in Milton, VT. In 1996, they started their family with the birth of their first child, Maxine. Three and a half years later, they welcomed their second daughter, Ella. After the birth of their third daughter, Lena, John spent two years as a stay-at-home dad, where he enjoyed watching his daughters grow. He could always be found with a group of children around him, whether his or not, laughing and being silly. He was a presence wherever he went, a gentle giant whose love of humor and puns would keep everyone around him laughing. His love of education extended to home, where he took an active interest in all the kids’ schoolwork and activities. John found teachable moments in everything around him.
Throughout his life, John was an avid if not fanatical golfer. His favorite part of the game was sharing his knowledge of the sport with his friends on the course. He could be found most mornings, rain, snow or shine, heading out to the golf course.
He is survived by his wife Veronica Valz and daughters Maxine, Ella and Lena Simko; his parents John and Rosanne Simko of NJ; his brother and sister-in-law Francis and Diane Simko of NJ; his sister Denise Ewing of Maryland; mother and father-in-law Rita and Bob Smith and family of Addison, VT, and Joe and Janet Valz of Florida; his sister-in-laws and their husbands, Jennifer and Jason Hatch of Ferrisburgh, Audrey and Eric Jackson of Hermon, ME; and many nieces and nephews.
John’s family feels blessed by the generosity of time, energy, love and support that they have received from their many friends, neighbors and colleagues throughout his illness. Special thanks to Christian Thomas, MD and Shelly Bonnette, RN at VCCM, and Jen and Rick Dooley for their amazing love, care and kindness.
John had a love of books and his local library. For those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to Friends of the Milton Public Library, c/o Milton Public Library, 39 Bombardier Road, Milton, VT 05468.
Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, October 27, 2009 from 5-8 PM with a Vigil Service at 8PM in the Minor Funeral Home, Route 7, Milton. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 28, 2009 at 11 AM at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Main St. Milton with Fr. John Feltz, celebrant. Burial will follow in the Milton Village Cemetery. Online condolences may be made to the family at
www.minorfh.com
