George P. Smolak

George P. Smolak, 84, of Uhrichsville, O., passed away on Wednesday, July 29, 2009 at Beacon Pointe Rehabilitation Center in Uhrichsville.

Born September 17, 1924 in Byesville, O., he was a son of the late John and Rose (Gideon) Smolak.

A resident of the Twin City area for most of his life, George was a member of Immaculate Conception Church in Dennison. After attending St. Mary’s High School in Dennison, George entered the service of his country as a soldier in the U.S. Army in May of 1943 and was stationed in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater for the remainder of World War II. Upon his return home from the service, he began his career in the local claypipe industry, working for Superior Clay (the former Evans Clay) until his retirement in 1988. He was a member of the Clayworkers’ Union, the New Jersey National Guard and the State Highway Patrol Auxiliary.

On January 3, 1948 at St. Mary Magdalen Church in Millville, N.J., George married the former Norma J. Dalpiaz who survives him. George and Norma enjoyed over sixty-one years of marriage together and were blessed with two daughters, Mrs. Jeff (Joanne) Dudgeon of Dennison and Mrs. Tim (Rose) Stanley of Tuscarawas; a son, Christopher Smolak and his wife, Teri, of Dennison; seven grandchildren, Zane Stanley and his wife, Jen, Heidi Stanley, Drew Dudgeon and his wife, Crissy, Mrs. Garry (Deidra) Lute, Jr., Diana Dudgeon, Skyler Smolak and Sierra Smolak; and five great grandchildren, Mason, Zoe, Hayden and Quinn Stanley and Miles Dudgeon, with another great grandchild expected.

George is also survived by a brother, Paul Smolak and his wife, Darlene, of Dennison; four sisters, Betty Hicks of Dennison, Pauline Kowal of Akron, Mrs. Harry (Helen) Liggett of Akron, and Mrs. Len (Agnes) Hayden of Akron; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, George was preceded in death by three sisters, Josephine and Margaret Smolak and Mary Chini, and three half brothers, Stephen, Michael and Joseph Smolak.

George was a loving husband, father and grandfather who will be sadly missed. He treasured the time he spent at his home, being with family, tending to his gardens and watching the birds which came to the feeders he put out for them. George was also an avid sports enthusiast who was a dedicated fan of the Cleveland Indians, Browns and Cavaliers, as well as the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Services for George, officiated by Father Anthony Lonzo, will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 1, in Immaculate Conception Church at Dennison. Interment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery near Dennison with a military committal service.

Family and friends are invited to call at the R.K. Lindsey Funeral Home from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday. Those wishing to honor George’s memory by a charitable contribution are encouraged to do so to Immaculate Conception Church’s Memorial Book Fund.
R.K. Lindsey Funeral Home, Inc.
(740) 922-1970
www.lindseyfh.com