Centre County’s chief deputy coroner, a long-time nurse known for her dedication to public service, died in a vehicle crash on Saturday afternoon.
Judith D. Pleskonko, 69, of Philipsburg, was struck by a vehicle on Interstate 99 near Tipton in Blair County, according to state police at Hollidaysburg.
Pleskonko was first involved in a crash around 2 p.m. on I-99 southbound that caused her vehicle to cross over to the northbound lane around mile marker 44.2 in Antis Township. She then exited her vehicle and attempted to walk over to where the crash happened, according to a public information report, but did not see oncoming northbound traffic and was struck by the driver of a Nissan Juke.
The Blair County coroner pronounced Pleskonko dead at the scene.
Friends and colleagues paid tribute to Pleskonko on Saturday evening, praising her as a friendly, caring and helpful public servant and mentor.
Centre County 9-1-1 called her “a friend to everyone in the emergency services,” in a Facebook post.
“Judy was such an inspirational leader for Centre County’s First Responders, Medical Professionals, and was always so empathetic to the families she was helping during their lowest of times,” the emergency communications office wrote.
In addition to her role as chief deputy coroner, Pleskonko was a career registered nurse. She spent decades working in the emergency department at Centre Community Hospital/Mount Nittany Medical Center, where, among other responsibilities she led the sexual assault forensic examiner program and was instrumental in the development of a multi-agency Sexual Assault Response Team.
She gave her time and expertise to Centre Volunteers in Medicine, helped lead countywide efforts to combat sexual and domestic violence, volunteered her medical skills on service missions and served as president of the board of directors for Moshannon Valley EMS.
“Judy worked closely with all of the EMS services in the area, as well as Fire, Police, Dispatch and local Emergency Rooms,” MVEMS wrote in a Facebook post. “She brought an abundance of knowledge, patience, compassion and laughs to every person that she encountered.
“This is a devastating loss to all that knew Judy.”
Centre County elected officials and fire and EMS companies and funeral homes were among those who remembered Pleskonko for her service and friendship.
“Judy was an absolutely amazing person,” the Centre County Emergency Management Agency wrote in a Facebook post. “She was a colleague, friend, mentor and just about anything else you can think of. She had the kind of personality that could make anyone laugh out loud. She was always so full of life and ready for any adventure put in front of her. “
Domer Smeltzer, county deputy directory of emergency services and a former co-worker of Pleskonko in the coroner’s office, called her “an amazing friend.”
“When I was thinking about applying for the position I currently hold at the county, she immediately pushed me to do so,” Smeltzer wrote in a Facebook post. “She told me from the moment I brought it up till I was offered the job, that I was made for that position. She pushed me till applied and I can’t thank her enough for that confidence boost. When I started working downstairs in emergency services, she would come visit or call me everyday she was in her office. I don’t even want to think that I won’t have those calls or visits anymore.
“Judy, you were a wonderful friend and mentor. I will forever have a hole in my heart. You truly left a lasting impression on me as well as the rest of ” your boys”. Thank you for being a kind, loving soul.”
