Dr. James Nicholas Leyko

Dr. James Nicholas “Nick” Leyko, DDS passed away peacefully in the MICU at the UMMC on Sunday, December 7, at the age of 85. Dr. Leyko practiced orthodontics for 55 years at his offices in Perry Hall, Bel Air, and Towson, as well as Jarrettsville. He loved his work as an orthodontist and stated that a fulfilling day at his practice was one of his greatest joys. He had just recently retired.

Dr. Leyko was born on August 29, 1940, in Baltimore, Maryland. He attended Cathedral School; Loyola Blakefield, class of 1957; Loyola College, class of 1961; the University of Maryland Dental School, class of 1965; and the Georgetown University School of Orthodontics. He was a member of a number of professional organizations, including the American Association of Orthodontics, the Middle Atlantic Society of Orthodontics, the Baltimore County Dental Association, and the Harford Cecil Dental Society.

Dr. Leyko completed his dental internship and served two additional years in the USAF, where he achieved the rank of Captain. He was immensely proud of his service to his country.

Dr. Leyko loved his family and enjoyed grilling meals out on the deck. He also loved steamed crabs, which he enjoyed on his “crab eating porch.” He could usually be found relaxing with a crossword puzzle or working on his model train layout.

Dr. Leyko was a devout Catholic and enjoyed participating in parish activities at St. John’s Long Green until the onset of his illness. For many years he prepared casseroles for Our Daily Bread.

James Leyko was born to Martha and James Leyko (deceased) and was also predeceased by his sister, Martha Tezak. He is survived by Nancy, his wife of 33 years, children Aimee Leyko, James Leyko, Jamie Milarcik, and Elizabeth Milarcik, and his sister, Carol Weigand.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit at Schimunek Funeral Home Inc., 9705 Belair Rd. Nottingham, MD 21236 on Thursday, December 11, 2025 from 2-4 and 6-8 PM. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, December 12, 2025 at 10:00 AM at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church (Hydes, MD). Interment will follow at St. John Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Dr. Leyko’s name to Loyola Blakefield, PO Box 6819, Towson, MD 21285-6819, (www.loyolablakefield.org).