Don Smerko
Thomas Karolewski
Description
Collection
Title:
Don Smerko
Creator:
Thomas Karolewski
Date:
10/20/2008
Text:
Dear List,
I want to post the obituary that was placed in the local paper here in
Chicago. The O and P community lost a wonderful person last Wednesday
and I'm not sure if many people knew. I have a special place in my
heart for Koebers since they gave me my start in the profession.
Donald Smerko 1956-2008
At a young age of 52 Donald Smerko was diagnosed with an unknown type
of cancer that claimed his life on Wednesday morning October 15th, at
8:20 a.m. He fought an incredible physical and mental battle from the
time he and his family learned of his illness to his final moments,
surrounded by the ones he loved. Donald touched many hearts and lives
over his short but beautiful life. He was a proud and dignified man
who always has a smile on his face and had a kind word to say. Those
who knew him could tell you his favorite phrase, “Life is Good” which
he spoke on a regular basis.
Donald followed in his father’s footsteps and dedicated his life to
treating the disabled at the family business. Koebers Prosthetic and
Orthotic Labs in Chicago. He worked side by side with his father,
Joseph Smerko, his brother, Dennis Smerko and his wife Loretta Smerko
for many years. He graduated from Northwestern University and became
ABC certified in 1984. Donald’s desire to help others brought him to
other countries)Grenada and Columbia) where he volunteered his
professional services. In 1994 he served as President of the Illinois
Society of Orthotists and Prosthetists. He will be missed by many.
Thomas Karolewski, CP, FAAOP
Interim Director of Prosthetics Education
Northwestern University Medical School
Prosthetic-Orthotic Center
345 E. Superior Street #1712
Chicago, Illinois 60611
312-238-1182
The entire object of true education is to make people not merely to
do the right things, but enjoy them; not merely industrious, but to
love industry; nor merley learned, but to love knowledge; not merely
pure, but to love purity; not merely just, but to hunger and thirst
after justice. -John Ruskin
I want to post the obituary that was placed in the local paper here in
Chicago. The O and P community lost a wonderful person last Wednesday
and I'm not sure if many people knew. I have a special place in my
heart for Koebers since they gave me my start in the profession.
Donald Smerko 1956-2008
At a young age of 52 Donald Smerko was diagnosed with an unknown type
of cancer that claimed his life on Wednesday morning October 15th, at
8:20 a.m. He fought an incredible physical and mental battle from the
time he and his family learned of his illness to his final moments,
surrounded by the ones he loved. Donald touched many hearts and lives
over his short but beautiful life. He was a proud and dignified man
who always has a smile on his face and had a kind word to say. Those
who knew him could tell you his favorite phrase, “Life is Good” which
he spoke on a regular basis.
Donald followed in his father’s footsteps and dedicated his life to
treating the disabled at the family business. Koebers Prosthetic and
Orthotic Labs in Chicago. He worked side by side with his father,
Joseph Smerko, his brother, Dennis Smerko and his wife Loretta Smerko
for many years. He graduated from Northwestern University and became
ABC certified in 1984. Donald’s desire to help others brought him to
other countries)Grenada and Columbia) where he volunteered his
professional services. In 1994 he served as President of the Illinois
Society of Orthotists and Prosthetists. He will be missed by many.
Thomas Karolewski, CP, FAAOP
Interim Director of Prosthetics Education
Northwestern University Medical School
Prosthetic-Orthotic Center
345 E. Superior Street #1712
Chicago, Illinois 60611
312-238-1182
The entire object of true education is to make people not merely to
do the right things, but enjoy them; not merely industrious, but to
love industry; nor merley learned, but to love knowledge; not merely
pure, but to love purity; not merely just, but to hunger and thirst
after justice. -John Ruskin
Citation
Thomas Karolewski, “Don Smerko,” Digital Resource Foundation for Orthotics and Prosthetics, accessed November 2, 2024, https://library.drfop.org/items/show/229646.
