John Smetana's Obituary
John Smetana, of Escondido, CA, 88, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 23, 2017, at home surrounded by his loving family. John is survived by: his two sons, Victor of Escondido, CA and Georges and his wife Donna of Murrieta, CA; sisters in law Kataryna Orobczuk of Escondido, CA and Olga Bilbry of Duarte, CA; Justina Sanders of Savannah, GA as well as extended family in Russia.John was born in Kostopul, Ukraine, son of the late Stefan and Eudokia Smetana, on September 14, 1928. His family was separated during War II with his Mother and Sisters Alexandra and Vera being taken to Russia. John and his father were forcefully relocated to a displaced persons camp in Germany. Following the war, John and his Father resettled in Nancy, France.In Nancy, John met Maria (Mary) Orobczuk. They were married in 1955 and remained inseparable until Mary’s passing in 2012.John devoted his life to and worked tirelessly for his family and the Ukrainian community. He was employed by both Eastman Kodak and the Xerox Corporation for many years. He served in various capacities at St. Mary’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Rochester, New York and also worked for other Ukrainian community causes.In 1993, John retired from Xerox and moved to Escondido, CA with Mary where they spent the remaining years of their lives together. Upon moving, both John and Mary immediately infused themselves into the San Diego Ukrainian community working again, at St. Mary’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Spring Valley, CA and the House of Ukraine at Balboa Park in San Diego.In his final years, even during his battle with Alzheimer’s disease, he served as a volunteer at the Joslyn Senior Center in Escondido, CA.He touched many in a quiet, companionate way and will be sorely missed.Funeral arrangements are as follows:· Viewing/Visitation/Pana Hyda on Tuesday Evening May 30, 2017 from 7-9 PM at Greenwood Memorial, 4300 Imperial Ave, San Diego, CA 92113· Church Service on Wednesday Morning May 31, 2017 at 10 AM at St. Mary’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church, 9558 Campo Road, Spring Valley, CA 91977· Burial to follow Church Service at Greenwood MemorialThe family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to St. Mary’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church, 9558 Campo Road, Spring Valley, CA 91977For more information please visit: Smetana.org
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