John Simko – A Bright Light Gone Too Soon

John Simko (left), George and Ed Pagano

I had a college basketball teammate at the University of Vermont who was one of a kind. We both came from Pennsylvania yet couldn't have been more different. John was gregarious, loved attention (in a good way) and would light up a room. I’ve become more like him over the years, but back then, I was serious and calm, although like John, appreciated the beauty of having fun.

Despite not being as gifted physically as others on our team, nobody worked harder and nobody had a more positive attitude. In addition, he was a super nice guy.  It was almost impossible not to like him. He kept a smile on his face and seemed to always be having fun. Looking back at our 4 losing years, he was one of the brightest spots during our practices, games and travels. Despite all the team chaos (an article for another day), it never seemed to affect him.

John and I weren’t close friends off the court and rarely spent private time together, although there was a mutual respect. On the court, we had plenty of interaction as we came to Vermont as scholarship athlete’s in 1982 and spent 7 months a year playing basketball on a daily basis.

One moment that remains etched in my memory, was playing in a tournament in Toledo, Ohio. The Vermont colors were green, so you couldn’t miss our team once we entered any arena. John had to wear special goggles (green of course) and the fans were relentless in heckling him as he had that Green Hornet look. Adding to this new image was his preference for wearing his socks high.

During the entire duration of the fun and harmless fan teasing, John never shied away from the crowd and smiled broadly; even interacting with a few of them. He loved it!

Since I graduated, it was no coincidence that I only had one Vermont basketball photo in a frame. It was me holding a soda over John’s head after practice (above). One of many funny moments and a picture that frequently makes me smile.

John died in 2009 due to pancreatic cancer.  It was a sad moment for me even though we hadn’t seen each other or talked since the late 80’s.  I didn't know his family but got in touch with his wife Veronica and 3 daughters (Maxine, Ella and Lena) in 2013.  I hope it was as comforting to hear from me as it was for me to connect with them.

I shared my picture and his wife pleasantly surprised me with a photo of us during a game. (below)

John Simko’s life was short (45) but judging from the John I knew, I have no doubt that his time here was as bright as anyone's. I'm grateful and thankful for his spirit on the court and in my life. He gave me a profound lesson on positivity, living in the moment and having a passion for life. 

RIP John.

Happy Gswede Sunday!

Replacing John during a Game