Victor J. Smerko, 87, died on Friday, June 28th, at the John F. Kennedy Medical Center in Edison. Born in 1926, in Charleroi, PA, he was raised in Minersville, PA. Victor enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1944, where he served in the Amphibious Assault Forces, South Pacific Theatre. He was a recipient of the American Theatre of War medal, the Asiatic South Pacific Theatre medal, Philippine Liberation medal, China Service medal, Japanese Occupational Victory medal and the Good Conduct medal. He re-enlisted in the Naval Reserve in 1946 eventually retiring as a Master Chief Petty Officer. Prior to retirement Victor was employed with Merck & Co. for 42 years as a production supervisor & analyst. He was a communicant of St. Matthew the Apostle Catholic Church of Edison. Victor was predeceased by his parents, Bertha and Paul Smerko; 3 brothers and 4 sisters. Victor is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Dorothy, originally from Johnston, PA; his son Robert Paul Smerko and wife Kathleen of Edison; daughters, Deborah Ann Parrinello of Piscataway and Kimberly M. Palmer of Scotch Plains; and his 5 grandchildren; Heather and Corey Grzybowski, Keri Wanner, Jake Palmer and Shannon Smerko. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 8th, at St. Matthew the Apostle R.C. Church followed by a private entombment at Franklin Memorial Mausoleum. Family and friends may pay their respects from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 7th at the Boylan Funeral Home, 10 Wooding Avenue, Edison.