John Smitka

John P Smitka, 93, of Hillcrest Spring Assisted Living and formerly of Lincoln Avenue, Amsterdam, NY; passed away Monday morning March 6, 2017 at Wilkinson Residential Healthcare Facility in Amsterdam.

Born in Amsterdam on December 23, 1923, he was the son of the late Stephen and Mary Ronkowska Smitka.

John received his education in the Amsterdam school system and was a graduate of Wilbur H. Lynch High School.

John was an honorably discharged United States Navy veteran and served his country during World War II from 1943 to 1946.

He was employed as a salesman for McDermott Food Brokers of Albany, NY.

John was a parishioner and communicant of St. Mary’s Church in Amsterdam. He was also a longtime member of the Amsterdam Municipal Golf Course.

His wife, Willette Fisher Smitka, predeceased John on August 25, 2011. John is survived by two sons, James Smitka and his wife, Alexandra Morgan Smitka of Saratoga Springs, NY and John P. Smitka and his wife, Deborah Buck Smitka of Delmar, NY, two granddaughters, Erica Smitka of Albany, NY and Jillian Smitka of So. Boston, MA. Many nieces and nephews also survive.

John was also predeceased by two brothers and three sisters.

Funeral services will be held Friday morning March 10, 2017 at 9:45 at the Riley Mortuary, Inc., 110 Division Street, Amsterdam, NY 12010, followed at 10:30 by a Mass of Christian Burial, which will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Church 156 East Main Street, Amsterdam, NY.

Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Fort Johnson, NY.

Calling hours are Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Riley Mortuary.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in John’s name may be made to St. Mary’s Church.

To send on line condolences to the family, go to www.rileymortuaryinc.com.