Obituary of Walter J. Simko Sr.

Walter J. "Wally" Simko, Sr., age 70 of Hunlock Creek , passed away Saturday, March 16, 2024 at the Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, Wilkes-Barre, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Wilkes-Barre on February 11, 1954 and was the son of the late Wasil and Elizabeth Moskal Simko. Wally graduated from Hanover Memorial High School in 1971, he was a die-hard Hawkeye who loved his classmates and planning class reunions. He received his Associates Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Pennsylvania State University, Wilkes-Barre, Class of 1973. Wally was employed by Burker King, Wilkes-Barre, and Pennsylvania Department of Transportation as an engineer. He was a member of the Maple Grove United Church since 1996, and Sylvania Lodge, Reyburn. Wally enjoyed bowling, playing travel softball, gardening, watching his kids play sports, and was an enthusiastic Penn State fan and avid fisherman. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by numerous aunts and uncles. Walter is survived by his wife of 41 years, the former Sally Wildoner; children, Heather Simko (Paul), and their sons, Paul, Jr. and Jackson, Heidi Heller (Jason), and their children, Ziva and Talin, Wally Simko, Jr. (Jennifer), and their daughter, Claire; brother, Myron Simko (Rose), and their son Michael; and sister, Ann Marie Simko. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, March 19, 2024 at 7:00 PM from the Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home, Inc., corner of routes 29 and 118, Pikes Creek, with Pastor Daniel Havrilla, Maple Grove United Methodist Church, officiating. Visitation will be from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the funeral home before the services. Memorial donations can be made to Maple Grove United Methodist Church, 5876 Main Road, Hunlock Creek, PA 18621; or Rescue Pets Serving Vets, 4793 Red Rock Road, Benton, PA 17814.