Howard Robert “Smitty” “Howie” Smith, 79, of Mantua, passed away peacefully into the arms of his Lord and Savior on January 23, 2018, surrounded by his loving and devoted family. He was born on April 25, 1938 in Cleveland, Ohio to Austin and Marcella (Wilhelm) Smith. Howie married the love of his life, Carolee Jean Gibson, on April 15, 1961. He always said, “She is not my wife, she is my life!”
He was a Grand Knight of Chapter 11801 in Garrettsville and a proud member of the Pope Pius XII 4th degree and St. Ambrose Catholic Church where he taught CCD for many years. Howie was a Lay Minister, Altar Server, Parish Council member as well as Chaplain at University Hospital Portage Medical Center. He served 9 years with the Army National Guard. Howie loved to travel and camp. His favorite trip of all was when he and Carolee drove across country to Alaska. Howie enjoyed spending time with his friends, but his family was everything to him.
Howie is survived by his loving wife, Carolee; children, Mike (Laurie) Smith and Jolene (Tom) Dzurko; grandchildren, Zachary and Joshua Dzurko, Paul (Jessica) and Michael Sloey; great grandchildren, Chelcey, Hannah, Chase, Maston and Clayton; siblings, Donald (Mary) Smith and Jean Marie Smith; sisters-in-law, Jackie Pauley and Terri (Robert) Toth and many loving nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; granddaughter, Mandy Sloey; brother-in-law, Jimmy Pauley and in-laws, Jack and Elizabeth Gibson, who he considered more than just in-laws, they were his friends.
Visitation was held on Friday, January 26, 2018 from 3-7 PM at Mallory-DeHaven-Carlson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 8382 Center St., Garrettsville, Ohio. Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, January 27, 2018, 10:30 AM at St. Ambrose Catholic Church, 10692 Freedom St., Garrettsville, Ohio 44231 with Father Stephen Zeigler officiating. Online condolences at www.carlsonfuneralhomes.com.
