Peter William Demko, D.M.D.

peter william  demko, d.m.d.

September 2, 1945 ~ May 16, 2023

Born in: Butler , PA
Resided in: Owensboro, KY

Peter William Demko, D.M.D., passed away on May 16, 2023, and will be remembered as a devoted husband, a loving father, and a compassionate dentist who dedicated his life to serving others. His kind heart, gentle spirit, and commitment to excellence will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to know him. He was 77 years old.

Born on September 2, 1945, in Butler, Pennsylvania, Pete, affectionately known to family and childhood friends as Buttons, was the son of the late Peter Demko and Lillian Blanche Mercer Demko. From an early age, Pete displayed a remarkable passion for football, which ultimately led him on a remarkable journey. As a student at Madisonville High School, he became an integral part of the Maroon’s football team, showcasing his talent and determination on the field.

Pete’s exceptional skills and commitment to the sport caught the attention of coaches, and he earned a scholarship to play football at Brigham Young University (BYU) under the guidance of Coach Tommy Hudspeth. However, an unfortunate injury abruptly ended his football career, forcing him to shift his focus to a new path.

Returning to Kentucky, Pete enrolled at Western Kentucky University (WKU), where he furthered his education. With determination to make a positive impact in people’s lives, he pursued a career in dentistry. Pete’s dedication led him to graduate from the University of Louisville School of Dentistry.

While attending U of L, as destiny would have it, Pete’s roommate happened to be the brother of Ann Stultz, the woman who would become the love of his life. In a delightful turn of events, Ann’s brother, recognizing a potential connection, asked her to set him up with her roommate. Inspired by her brother’s request, Ann seized the opportunity and made a playful proposition of her own. She asked her brother to return the favor by introducing her to Pete, igniting a spark that would forever change their lives and they were married for 54 years.

Together in 1970, Pete and Ann established a family dental practice that served the Owensboro community for nearly five decades. They nurtured a practice that not only provided outstanding treatment, but his patients also experienced his genuine care and warmth, which touched the lives of many.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Pete had a multitude of passions that brought him immense joy. He possessed a remarkable talent for working with his hands, indulging in woodworking and crafting beautiful pieces from metal. The love for craftsmanship extended to the restoration of a 1905 Victorian house, a labor of love that he embarked upon with his wife, Ann. Over the years, they poured their hearts and souls into restoring the house to its former glory and just about a month ago, Pete completed his final project on the house, a testament to his unwavering dedication.

Pete was also an avid Louisville Cardinal fan, no matter the sport. He was active and supported all of his children’s interests.

Pete is survived by his wife, Ann Douglas Stultz Demko, who shared in his joys and accomplishments throughout their remarkable journey together. His endearing presence will forever be cherished by his children, Peter William Demko II (Beth Ann Stacy), David Bradley Demko, and Katherine Ann Demko Day (Aaron), who carry his legacy forward.

Additionally, Pete leaves behind cherished grandchildren, Peter (Liam) William Demko III, Alistair Grey Demko, Violet Claire Demko, and Jackson William Day. His memory will also be forever etched in the hearts of his siblings, Patrick Gene Demko (Tamara) and Stephen Jerome Demko (Amy).

He will be fondly remembered by family, friends, colleagues, and the countless patients he cared for throughout his remarkable.

A memorial service will be held in honor of Peter William Demko, D.M.D. to celebrate his life, achievements, and the profound impact he made on the lives of those around him. Memorial visitation will be from 1:00 PM until 4:00 PM on Sunday, May 21, 2023, at Haley McGinnis Funeral Home & Crematory. Expressions of sympathy may take the form of charitable donations made payable to Hospice of Western Kentucky, 3419 Wathens Crossing, Owensboro, KY 42301.

Though he may no longer be with us, his legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Haley McGinnis Funeral Home & Crematory is both honored and privileged to be entrusted with the care of Mr. Demko. Leave your messages of condolence for the family of Peter William Demko, D.M.D., and sign his virtual guestbook at www.haleymcginnis.com.

Services

Visitation: May 21, 2023 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Haley McGinnis Funeral Home & Crematory
519 Locust St.
Owensboro, KY 42301


https://www.HaleyMcGinnis.com

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Memories Timeline

Guestbook

    • God has our Sweet Buttons with him now. There’s no comforting words that will be remembered now with this new change in our lives. But, I send my Kentucky, Georgia, Las Vegas, Texas and Florida Family my Love during this time of Change. I Love and miss you all. May God Comfort you and give you Peace.

  1. It was an honor to have known him and he was my Dentist when I lived in Owensboro but I moved to Cleveland Tn in 1980 may God bless Ann and the rest of the family during this difficult time

    • How sweet.I do recall the years you were in our practice. Some patients/ friends you never forget. Thank you for remembering us and giving me an opportunity to say Hi.

    • How sweet.I do recall the years you were in our practice. Some patients/ friends you never forget. Thank you for remembering us and giving me an opportunity to say Hi.

  2. Dr Demko was the first dentist I ever had he is one of the friendliest guys I have ever known I looked forward to my dental appointments so I could go in and talk to him and his wonderful wife Ann God bless you and your family Dr Demko you were one of the best friends I ever had your friend Steve

  3. Ann, I am so sorry to hear about Pete. He was a childhood friend, a classmate, teammate from Madisonville. He and I were the only two to complete the infamous 50 mile walk from Madisonville to Owensboro back in ’63. I have good and fond memories of Pete. Prayers for you and your family.

  4. To the Demko family, we are so sorry to hear about your loss. Dr. Demko and Ann served as our dentist from the time we moved to Owensboro from Madisonville in the 1970’s until their retirement. It was a guarantee that when you arrived for your appointment you would be greeted with a big smile and a story to be shared. You have a great family and that always showed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

    Jamie & Ann Buskill

    • Thank you Jamie and Ann. It was a pleasure having you all in our practice. Jamie it was also our fortune to have your father and mother and sister as patients, I mean friends, all those years. Lots of conversation and good memories.

  5. Sending my condolences to Ann n the family along with prayers.. My memories of being a patient, bring back the kindness n gentleness of Pete. Heaven gained another soul!

    • Thank you Kathleen. Your condolences have warmed my heart and brought back good memories. Things I shared with Pete and will always remember.

  6. So sorry Ann and family. Broke my heart when I saw Pete had passed away. We have been friends for so many years and share a lot of memories. You guys always seem like part of the family. Praying for you as you go through such a difficult time.

    • Mona and Bernard we were certainly friends for many years. I always told everyone we didn’t have patients we had friends and extended family , which was very true of you all. My memories of those times will carry me through. Thank you.

  7. Ann, Was shocked when I saw the paper this morning. Bill and I are so sorry for The loss of Pete. Keeping you and your family in our Prayers.

    • Thank you Martha and Bill. We go way back and can actually remember Bill’s first visit. Gots lots of conversation and memories to carry me through. You were part of what made work an enjoyable experience.

  8. Ann, so very sorry to hear of your loss of Peter. He was our dentist for so very long…still have his amazing work installed in our mouths! He was so very kind and patient, as well as being a great, very particular dentist. Our prayers for you and family. Gwen Kennedy, Verla Childers Boling.

    • Gwen and Verla, Thank you for your very kind words. I have many many memories of our shared times. You were definitely part of the “family”

  9. Gary and Shelly Bartley feel privileged to have been patients of Doctor Demko. We missed both he and Ann when they retired. Please accept our condolences.

    • Condolences accepted. You all were great patients and always looked forward to our visits. Miss keeping up with you and the boys. Thank you and it was our privilege to be your dentist.

    • Condolences accepted. You all were great patients and always looked forward to our visits. Miss keeping up with you and the boys, and by the way it was our privilege also.

  10. Peter was my childhood dentist. The “Mom and Pop” feel he created with Anne was, in hindsight, extremely rare. As a shy kid growing up, I took to both of them immediately due to their calm, welcoming demeanors. Peter would always remember stories I had told him at previous visits and was keen to inquire about them at subsequent visits. There is no telling how many patients had delayed visits after mine as I would go on and on. It always struck me how Peter would pause and listen to every last word of my inane babbling. But that was him (and Anne). Just a great human being who happened to be a great dentist on top of it.

    Thoughts are with the Demko family. What a loss.

    • Oh my Chris what a beautiful tribute. We loved your family, and still do. I have heard from certain sources, your dad, that every time you hear classical music it bring back memories of your time in the dental chair😂. Pete loved sharing tales with everyone and they were important enough, to him , to remember. Thank you for refreshing my memories.

  11. Ann and Family,
    While I loved having you as our dentist, I was most fond of the times I spent talking with you. So much so, I always asked for your last appointment of the day so that I could talk to you more. I loved hearing about your adventures to military battle sites, Ann storm chasing, new woodwork and glasswork projects, home renovation tips, and hearing about your kids and their adventures also.
    I was also in awe how many details you remembered about us…whether it was asking how Ashley was doing Germany to how our dog was doing to always having kind words about our family.
    We loved you inviting us into your new home.
    Thank you for always being our friends and of course, awesome dentist family.

    • The pleasure was ours. I will always remember our conversations of everything with great fondness. Again, Pete and I felt we were treating family and had so much to catch up on. Thank you for bringing a smile to my face and heart.

  12. Ann & family,
    I was so sorry to hear of Pet’s passing. He was a wonderful dentist, always worried he might cause pain. He was a great dad to Pete & we always enjoyed having Pete around the house or his riding to school with us. May you find peace & comfort through the memories. Jon enjoyed your family so much. Marilyn Van Winkle

    • Thank you Marilyn for your comforting words. That was one thing he was very sensitive about, not causing discomfort. Many memories of our Pete and Jon. Oh those were the days. Memories are what keeps me going and brings a smile to my whole being. Thank you for refreshing ones I had forgotten.

  13. My condolences to the entire Demko family. I remember Dr Demko being a very smart man who wanted the best for his kids and cared about his patients. I always felt welcome in the Demko home and considered them my extended family during middle, high school and college. The success of his kids is a testament to his fatherly teachings.

    • So sorry to hear about the passing of Dr Pete.Debbie and myself had the privilege of being patients of Dr Pete and Anne.condolences to the Demko family.

    • Thank you Jon. You were always welcome. Remembering things like the T Rex movie featuring Godzilla you and Pete filmed. Some things are forever imprinted in my memory forever. These are the things Pete’s dad I would remind each other about and get a kick out of. Thank you for refreshing those memories.

  14. Ann, I’m so sorry to hear about Dr. Demko. Sending you and family prayers for your loss.

  15. Ann, so sorry for your loss.

    I remember the time when Pat and I drove up to Pete’s mother’s house on Wilder way back in high school in Pat’s 1960 Ford Falcon. Pete had just graduated from dental school and needed help with what I remember was a $350 dental chair that he had just purchased. No telling what one costs today. Who would have thought then that he would be my future family dentist for nearly 30 years? What a guy he was, and my family will always remember him too.

    • Thank you Larry. Funny the things we remember. It was a pleasure to get to know your family and enjoy our “visits” through the years. It made for a wonderful work experience.

    • Thank you. Rebecca and David, you and your family, also extended family, have been a part of our lives almost since we have been in Owensboro. You all definitely play an important role in my memory bank and will continue to be a source of warm feelings, smiles and comfort.

  16. Ann,
    I am so very sorry to hear of Pete’s passing. He was a special friend to me and we lived together in the Delta Sig house when we were just beginning dental school. We had a very special group of friends, including Bob, that left us with such fond memories during our time in Louisville. My hope will be that you will be comforted by the thoughts and prayers of those of us who will truly miss him.
    Les Fowler

  17. A kind … loving and gentle soul is the way I remember Pete from dental school… All the beautiful remembrances expressed so well in the photo gallery confirm the heart that lived them… Ann, you and your family will continue to be blessed in generations to come…He lived love.

  18. One of the best men I ever had the pleasure of knowing.
    Ann I loved the obituary and thought it spoke to his gentle nature.

  19. Bud and I were college friends of Pete. After college Pete and Ann moved to owensboro. They both took real good care of our teeth and friendship through the years. He will always be remembered and loved.

  20. Ann
    I am so sorry to read about your husband’s passing. I believe I am Pete’s first cousin. Small world that it is. Tom Demko / Butler, PA


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