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Michael Smitreski Obituary
Michael J. Smitreski, 51, of Jim Thorpe, passed away Nov. 25, 2008. He was the first of 14 children born to Nicholas and Eva Marie Smitreski of Allentown. Michael graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1975 and then went on o graduate from Kutztown University. He was employed as a technician for the Distance Education department of Lehigh University as a talk show DJ for WHOL-AM 1600 Radio and wrote music reviews for The Morning Call. Michael played guitar for the Creatures of the Golden Dawn from 1985 to 1997 and for the Steeds from 2004 until recently. Michael was a member of the Arbor Society and the Planetary Society. His interests included photography, music, reading, writing and hiking. One of his most memorable vacations was hiking through the Appalachian Mountains in Maine. He was predeceased by a brother, Joseph Smitreski. Survivors: Paternal grandmother, Katherine Smitreski of Hazleton; parents; siblings, Wayne Smitreski, Andrew and Deborah Smitreski, Mary Smitreski and Nicholas Smitreski Jr., all of Allentown, Roxanne Mills of Klecknersville, Renee Smitreski of Long Beach, Calif., Karen Smitreski, and Jon and Linda Ernst, all of Emmaus, Edward and Cathy Smitreski of Northampton, Andrew and Lisa Draper of Macungie, Roseanne Smitreski of Catasauqua, Dan and Marie McNamara of Lowell, Mass.; nieces and nephews, Matthew, Kyle, Jason, Jonelle, Samuel, Sydni, Simon, Joseph and Baby McNamara. Services: Viewing, 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Nov., 29, Weber Funeral Home, 502 Ridge Ave., Allentown. Contributions: Pediatric Oncology Unit of Lehigh Valley Hospital-Muhlenberg, Bethlehem.
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Memories and Condolences
for Michael Smitreski
Sponsored by Jeff Mattox - WHOL.
Dr. R. D. Martin
November 21, 2021
I really miss Mike. It´s been a while, but sometimes I pick up the phone intent on giving him a call. And then I remember again.:.
Joe Soja
January 23, 2016
Mike was my manager at the radio station in 1995...surprised to see this.
Bob Repp
January 23, 2013
This came as a complete shock to me. I met Mike when we were at CCHS and spent the four years there with the gang, and stuck together afterward. Lost touch though having been in the Army 20 years, and now I wish I had made it back to the area at least a couple of times since the last time I saw him. That was at the Funhouse, June 1994. I found out just today from Dave Parry. Mike used to mail me clippings from the newspaper (this was before the advent of e-mail) of the Creatures and other things he was doing at the time. Yes, I shall miss him so much. We went to concerts together, a few Indy 500s, and a family vacation or two. I'm sure he's up there getting things wired up for Rock 'n' Roll Heaven - maybe I can look forward to a backstage pass, if he'll forgive me for not looking him up sooner.
Love you, Mike.
Carrie-Ann Mohr
June 13, 2011
I just came across this guest book tonight whilst looking up old friends from Allentown. Although I'd known Mike back in the '80s, we'd lost contact until the fall of '06, when we briefly crossed paths on MySpace before I moved overseas. It was lovely to catch up on great music, mountains, and the stars. I'm so saddened to have heard of his passing. Many great memories.
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J PYLE
February 28, 2010
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Lynette Miller-Byrnes
September 30, 2009
I was just a young go-go dancer doing my 60's moves for the Creatures when I met Mike. In between sets and dances, he was always willing to show me a chord or two on the guitar. With his help, I now play guitar and have my own band today. Thanks for teaching me the C, D, A and E - the only chords you really need! Mike, you were always such a sweetie, and usually one of the only gentleman in the room. You will be missed. You're gone too soon.
With all my love, Lynette Miller (Byrnes)
Mark Hershberger
August 19, 2009
I've just learned of Mike's passing via the KTown Univ newsletter. Hard to believe...I haven;t seen Mike in many many years...but i have fond memories of jamming with him in the early 80's (Pre-Creatures)...
God bless..
Mary Ann Vellucci
January 22, 2009
My heartfelt condolences go out to the entire Smitreski family!!
I am so deeply saddened and beyond stunned to have only learned of Mike's passing just yesterday evening when I came home from work and found a note from Mike's Dad informing me that Mike had passed away on November 25th!
Mike and I had been friends for several years now -- though, ironically, we had never actually met yet! I enjoyed our telephone conversations and numerous e-mails -- which Mike often referred to mine as "missives", as we both shared our love of music, the outdoors -- and even ponds!! In fact, Mike had expressed a real interest in actually putting a pond in his yard sometime, and we were planning on getting together one of these days for him to come over and see my ponds! -- Unfortunately, that never came to be....
Mike was also an extremely talented musician, and I am just so grateful that he shared some of that talent of his with me! I also had been looking forward to one of these days seeing him play with The Steeds.... While we never did get the chance to meet, unfortunately, I am at least very grateful for the friendship we shared!!
Michael, you have obviously touched so many people's lives -- and I am happy to include myself among them!! You have left a real mark in this world -- as well as a void that no one else will be able to fill, and I will certainly miss you very much, my friend!!
God bless you, Michael!!
shelley arida
December 25, 2008
the book is about to expire so are the surreal holidays but Mike's memory will live on ....I wish you to know that i would very much like to keep in touch, in his memory and i mean it from the heart. Warmest thoughts to you.....
Michael Chaffier
December 8, 2008
I played drums for The Creatures in the late 80's and have some really great memories of Mike "ZenMaster" Smitreski. I only found out about his passing this morning and as I write this at 7PM, I am still feeling very sad. I wish I would have had the chance to see him one last time at The Funhouse...to shake his hand, smile, and talk about the music scene. I always loved to hear his stories about being in bands and playing out live somewhere. Mike, I will miss you very much.
shelley arida
December 3, 2008
I have come to re-visit the book as i find Mike's passing totally surreal.....my last memory was a promise to visit jimthorpe and watch the bright shining stars on a crystal clear night.....I do miss you, Mike
shelley arida
Jill Sharkey
December 3, 2008
To the Smitreski Family,
Mike was a co-worker of mine at Lehigh University. From reading all of the heartfelt entries here, it is clear that I only knew one small side of Mike. He touched so many people's lives in so many ways.
The Mike I knew was gentle and kind, caring and generous, quick with his wit and humor. He will be missed dearly here at Distance Ed.
My prayers are with his family and friends.
Jill
Tim Blangger
December 2, 2008
To the Smitreski family:
My thoughts are with you. Like most of Mike's friends, I'm shocked at his passing at such a relatively young age.
I jammed with Mike for several years when he lived in Allentown. It was one of my first experiences playing music, and Mike was really encouraging, even if my playing was crap. He was a great, nice guy and a talented musician. I'm sorry we lost touch when he moved away, but I'll remember the good times.
Tim Blangger
Kim McNeely
December 2, 2008
Dear Smitreski Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Hold on to your memories of Mike to comfort you.
The McNeely Family
The Schlack Family
December 1, 2008
Our sympathy to the entire Smitreski family. It was great being in bands and creating music with Mike. Some of the best times of my life. There are so many great memories... Zen, you will be missed.
Terre T
December 1, 2008
Dear Smitreski Family,
Mike was so extremely talented in music and he touched hundreds of thousands of people's lives with his fantastic writing and playing. If you would like to hear a radio tribute we did on WFMU of his music, please go here http://wfmu.org/playlists/shows/29468 on your computer.
I did not know Mike personally, but his he has touched me and many people who also have never met him, with his incredible musical gifts. I am deeply sorry for your loss.
Sincerely,
Terre T
WFMU
At the Funhouse
November 30, 2008
November 30, 2008
My condolences to the Smitreski family. I knew Mike a long time ago; in high school.
Joe P
Ed & Bonnie Regemann
November 30, 2008
Mike was a kind, funny and very talented member of the Lehigh Valley music community. I worked with Mike many, many times when he was a member of the LV garage rock band The Creatures. Mike wrote some great songs with that band. Mike, your time with us was too short. Hope you gotta cool band together wherever you are. To many of us you will always be remembered as the true Zen Master!
Ray Martin
November 30, 2008
My most heartfelt condolences go out to the Smitreski family.
I met Mike in 1975. We survived Electronics and TV degrees together while playing music at WLTC and WKSC. I remember spending an entire Christmas break with Mike rewiring the studios at KSC.
A musician, a dreamer, a man of deep thought, a truly good friend, and I will miss him.
Tonight I'll have a shot of Rock 'n Rye, and chase it with a Rolling Rock. I'll set one out for you, Mike.
Rest in peace, squire.
Zoot and Brigid Szmigiel
November 30, 2008
What a shock to hear of your passing, we just saw you 2 weeks ago. Mike was always there at our pocono gigs, a steady supporter of the Ultra Kings. We knew Mike for 25 years, not a Christmas would go by without greetings from the "Zen Master". We will miss your presence here on earth, goodbye good friend.
David Parry
November 29, 2008
My oldest friend. One last Old Grandad to the fall of the west.
Leigh & Mary Ruth Murray
November 29, 2008
Mike was already at WHOL when my husband became the new owner in 1985. We worked with Mike for many years and came love him not only as a co-worker, but as a dear friend. Mike's love of radio, music, and "all things NASA" just endeared him to us more. We were shocked at his passing, having emailed him this past summer to touch base. We'll miss his dry humor, corny jokes, and love of life. Our deepest sympathies to his family.
Chris Joseph
November 29, 2008
Like everybody else here, I am shocked and saddened at Mike’s passing. Mike has been a good friend for over 30 years. We shared an apartment my freshman year at Kutztown when Mike was first learning to play guitar. I am glad we kept in touch and remained friends thru the years. I have lots of fond memories of Mike that I will cherish.
I listened to some YES today in your honor… RIP my friend..
Chris Kender
November 29, 2008
I first met Mike at a Creatures gig at the Funhouse back in '86 and last saw him two weeks ago. I'm thankful for that time. Mike, you were not only a great band mate but also a great friend. You will be missed.
Charles James
November 29, 2008
The Lehigh Valley has lost a creative musician who made his mark in garage music over the last 20 years. The last perfornance of his that I saw was at a WDIY live on-air birthday party, but enjoyed seeing him play at various venues over the years.
Charles James
Buddy Unger
November 29, 2008
Mike,
I know right now you are forming a band in heaven. I'll always remember the good times we had together. Rest in peace my dear friend.
Joseph Facchiano
November 29, 2008
Dear Smitreski Family,
I am so sorry to hear of Mike's passing. Although I could not be there in person, please accept my heartfelt condolences. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.
With deepest sympathy,
Joe Fash
Ed DeGrace
November 29, 2008
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
D Slabonik
November 29, 2008
Mike - your writing and playing were an inspiration to us, and your support and kind words meant the world to us. The LV has lost a legend. So long, cryptic zen master.
"wires, wires, all these damn wires!"
November 28, 2008
Replacing the transmission lines at WHOL in the early 90's
George Motter
November 28, 2008
Many who knew Mike have known him for a very long time, a real testament to the person that he was. We met 25 years ago, at WHOL. He loved to tinker, and kept the place running like a clock. Everything had a place. I remember neatly labeled bins of this and that. He did mornings, and I did evenings. We soon shared the engineering responsibilities, and I eventually drug him around the Valley to 8 different stations to help keep them running too. I could not have done it without him.
When the new position opened at Lehigh he was the first on my list to hire, a better person they could not find.
I was in a near fatal accident in 2000 and he was there by my side, keeping the radio stations running and driving me around when I could barely function.
He will be truly missed; there are few with the dedication, loyalty, and rock solid personality that Mike possessed. Some know that Mike loved rockets, space, and everything NASA. I pray he is having the ride of his life.
Marge Marcelino
November 28, 2008
To Mike's family,
I'll never forget how Pastor Lynnwood Wells brought Mike to the lives of my then boyfriend and later husband Joe and I. Joe had just quite working for WAEB and still wasn't ready to let go of radio so Pastor Wells set up a meeting between Mike and Joe. As Joe later told me Mike wanted him to cut a PSA as a demo,Joe cold read it before cracking the mike and Mike burst into the room and told him not to bother he had the job! I had the pleasure of helping out at the station as well. I'm sure Joe was waiting at the gates of heaven to welcome Mike home.
Last Men
November 28, 2008
Jeffrey Bennison
November 28, 2008
Mike and I played together in the Creatures back in the 1980's. He was a great guy and a very talented songwriter. Many people may not realize that he wrote so many great songs (Get me outta this town!). We had many fun times touring and recording together that I will never forget. In recent years, we re-connected when he started playing with the Steeds. His guitar playing and songwriting were better than ever. Mike will be greatly missed and I'll never forget him or his music and friendship. I'll think about you tonight when I'm playing the drums. My thoughts go out to all of Mike's family and friends. RIP.
Jamie McFadden
November 28, 2008
Although we were never close friends, I knew Mike for over 20 years and enjoyed listening to him play and our discussions on music. He inspired me to continue to play and I regret not having played in a band with him. He was a gentleman and will be missed by many. My deepest sympathies to his family and friends
Jeff Mattox
November 28, 2008
May God Bless Mike and the entire Smitreski family. Mike was a great friend. When Mike left WHOL to work at Lehigh, it was harder to get together because we were both so busy. As a result, we probably haven't talked in about two years now. Many times I've thought, gee I have to call him one of these days and see what's up. I missed that oppurtunity, and I will miss him very very much. It was a lot of fun hanging out with him at his old apartment in Allentown. I will always be proud of the fact that I left him in the door of WHOL the very first time back in 1981. Carl Stuart was our boss at the time. I was in his office talking to him and the doorbell rang. He said, go open that will you it's the new guy. In came Mike and it was the start of a wonderful friendship. I will never forget him.
Ron Vail
November 28, 2008
Very sorry to hear of Mike's passing. Always a pleasant guy to see out in the Lehigh Valley music scene. Our thoughts to his family and friends. With love from Ron Vail and Family.
shaun mcnally
November 28, 2008
Mike,
You will be missed my friend. It was a true honor and great pleasure to create with you. I will bring the microphone next time we meet.
Rick Kuebler
November 28, 2008
We were quit shocked to hear this tragic news,we'd see Mike regularly at our Pocono area appearances and always had a great time hanging out.Every so often I hear one of the songs that Mike wrote on "Little Stevens Underground Garage" radio show and it would always make me feel good knowing who wrote it,now it will not only make me feel good but also remember the good times had. Our condolences to the entire Smitreski family.
Rick & Patty Kuebler
shelley arida
November 28, 2008
I met Mike in 2009 , a nice guy with a great music talent and a fascination for the stars, He loved his garden and walking the trails in jimthorpe. My thoughts join all of you that cared about him.
Peg Portz
November 28, 2008
The entire staff of Distance Ed at Lehigh as well as MANY other colleagues that knew Mike will miss him terribly. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family. Mike was truly loved and respected and just one of those great guys. It's so hard to believe he's gone but am taking some comfort in reading how much he was loved by everyone. God Bless You Michael.
Peg Portz, co-worker and friend
Sandra McCarthy
November 28, 2008
My deepest sympathies to the Smitreski family.
Mike and I collaborated this year on several music projects. It was hard to get any song writing work done, because we were to busy laughing. What a wonderful memory to hold on to.
He and I never met in person, but he was always in contact to reach out to share a concern, a daily tidbit, a proud moment, political views, or just a dream.
All of his thoughts were embraced with humor and he wanted his friends to be part of that ride. I'm proud to be in that circle.
Mike was a star-gazer here on Earth, but he is now part of the celestial sky. I am sad for his family, friends and myself for our loss, but happy for Mike that he is now part of the sun, moon and stars that he held in such awe.
Several of our emails and phone conversations ended in a personal joke, "I do, I really do!"
The memory will now be bittersweet, because Mike, I do miss you. I really do.
Ed Ballinger
November 27, 2008
Mike was a man of many gifts but he was a musician first and foremost. I like to think that there is a special place in the great hereafter for the artists among us, for those of us who endeavor to make beautiful things. Mike has claimed his place now. Shine on.
steve brosky
November 27, 2008
I remember Michael from back in the day...from K-town U radio station , and as a part of the LV music scene , Michael was a good guy and I'm glad I can say I knew him...condolences to Michaels family.
pam geisinger
November 27, 2008
My most sincere condolences to the entire Smitreski family. Mike has been a dear friend to me for over 20 years and he will be missed. I'll miss his jokes, our debates, and our phone calls where I always managed to call him when he was ready to eat his dinner.
He was a talented, crazy, eccentric, wonderful, kind and thoughtful man. I'm sure heaven will be rocking tonite and Mike, the Cryptic Zen Master of the Universe will be smiling*
Bob Miller
November 27, 2008
I went to college with Mike at LCCC and we were fellow DJ's at the college radio station WLTC back in the late 70's. I lost touch with Mike back in the late 80's. He knew so very much about music and electronics. Most of all, he was a nice guy and a friend. He will be missed. My condolences and prayers to Mike's family.
eric de jesus
November 27, 2008
peace. i loved every band you were in.
"ain't that a man" should be broadcast across the LV in yr honor
Noel Kratzer
November 27, 2008
It was a pleasure to work with Mike everyday. You can never underestimate the value of friendship and should never forget the importance of telling someone that you enjoy working with them or think they are a nice person. I wish I would have told Mike that he was a great co-worker and that I was proud to work with him. God Bless you Mike You will be missed. May your family find peace during this time of great sadness.
Michael Sommer
November 27, 2008
I worked with Mike at WHOL for two years, from 1983 until 1985. I'm sorry to hear of his passing.
Sympathies to all,
Mike Sommer
Kevin Groller
November 27, 2008
Michael, I've known you for many years and had many a memorable performance with the Creatures with you. You were a talented songwriter and a dedicated band member. Even though we always didn't agree I'm glad we made peace a few years ago. There was no one like you and never will be. Rest in Peace Cryptic Zen Master.
Alan Troxell
November 27, 2008
Mike, you've been a "GREAT" friend to me for 22 years. I will miss your frienship dearly. I always enjoyed recording in your studio and if it wasn't for you I would not be a performing musician today. Heaven is a better place today now that you are there. Rest in peace my Brother. I love you!
Bill Villa
November 27, 2008
Mike was a really talented guitar player and songwriter and all-around good guy. It was our pleasure to share the stage with Mike and his terrific "Steeds" garage rock band, and to have him over for dinner at our house a while back. We didn't even know Mike was ill. We wish we had gotten a chance to say goodbye to him. We will miss you, Mike.
jon mcnamara
November 27, 2008
This is very sad. Condolences to the entire Smitreski family.
I will miss Mike - we always had great conversations about music and especially, the last few times, about our families. I'd always bump into Mike in and around the great circle of musical friends in the area (and sometimes 'just around' too). Mike always had a friendly smile and a comedic quip or comment which would set up a great discussion. Mike, I'll 'raise one' for you today and give Thanks that I knew you in this life. Mike was a real, musical 'brother in arms'.
Music = Love
Jon McNamara and Family
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