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Rick "Coach" SMOLIAK

About

Stony Brook University University of Minnesota

FUNERAL HOME

Aycock-Riverside Funeral and Cremation Center - Jupiter

1112 Military Trail

Jupiter, Florida

Rick SMOLIAK Obituary

SMOLIAK, Rick "Coach"

Rick "Coach" Smoliak, 71, of Tequesta, Florida, passed away suddenly on February 25, 2014. Rick was a talented athlete with a passion for sports. In 1964, he was drafted to play baseball for the New York Mets. He went on to earn his Bachelor's Degree in Education from the University of Minnesota, where he also played ice hockey. Rick later received his Master's Degree from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. He was the Athletic Director and Head Baseball Coach at Stony Brook University on Long Island before taking on the same roles at Northwood University in West Palm Beach. Rick also was an avid tennis player and pro, teaching lessons throughout his whole life. Rick was a true family man and will be missed by his loving wife of 33 years, Barbara; his children Sheri, Sandy, Scott, A.J. and Brittany; six grandchildren Justin, Dillon, Jessica, Julia, Lucas and Jacob; three sons-in-law Keith, Roger, and Dennis; daughter-in-law Sam; sister-in-law Linda; niece Meredith and her husband Luther, nephew Jason, and niece Mary. He will also be missed by his coaching fraternity, current players, and countless alumni, all of whom meant the world to him. A visitation will be held on Friday, February 28th from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Aycock-Riverside Funeral and Cremation Center, 1112 Military Trail, Jupiter. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, March 1 at 12 Noon at St. Jude Catholic Church, 204 US Highway 1, Tequesta. Entombment will be at Fernhill Memorial Gardens in Stuart, Florida. Online condolences may be made at www.aycockfuneralhomejupiter.com.

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Published by The Palm Beach Post from Feb. 27 to Mar. 1, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Rick SMOLIAK

19 Entries

Mike Garofola

February 21, 2021

Coach inspired me to want to get into coaching and I did so at Stony Brook for 8 years. I talked to Rick 2 weeks before his passing ; I’m so glad I got to catch up with him. He was my mentor. I retired after 40 years of coaching.

Michael Garofola

March 1, 2014

I played for Coach at Stony Brook from 1972-1976, and because of him, I am in my 33rd year of coaching. God Bless you Coach and "Thank you" for your direction.

Michael Garofola

March 1, 2014

I played for coach from 1972-1976 at Stony Brook, and because of him, I am completing my 33rd year of coaching.God Bless you Coach.

The Sun Conference

Mark Pope

February 28, 2014

The members of The Sun Conference send their deepest condolences to Rick's family. He was a good competitor, a great friend and a valued member of our coaching fraternity.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord. May his soul, and all the souls of the faithful departed, rest in peace.

February 28, 2014

My son and I were remembering all the wonderful times and conversations we had with coach. My favorite time with Coach Smoliak was at my son's Award Dinner,you let me present to you and your team the book I found on line that you wrote, "Remember how to Coach 3rd Base," by Rick Smoliak. Everyone seemed to enjoy the book especially all the "Blank" pages inside. The team got a great laugh as well as you. We will miss you and your friendship. Tim and Angela Hawkins

Brian Justine

February 28, 2014

Coach Smoliak was a good man who did a great deal to help a countless number of young athletes over the course of his life. Everyone affiliated with the Tommy Hutton Baseball Academy was saddened by the news of his passing. He will be missed.

February 28, 2014

Barbara and family, we are so saddened to hear of Ricks passing. We remember him fondly and will keep him and all of you in our prayers... . Denise and Chris Doyle

miguel (BOOKIE) Nunez

February 27, 2014

I knew Rick (Sugardaddy) Smoliak for 16 years and 3 years as my roommate in the summer baseball showcases. Classic coach, very professional, and always doing the right thing with the student athletes. Always talking about his family, very caring and lovable person. I'am very thankful for all this years knowing him, and always guiding me in the baseball field and of the field. As he will always say you got do the right thing. Thank You Smoliak for all those years and moments. God Bless the Smoliak family

John Magnusson

February 27, 2014

Coach Smoliak will be missed by the umpires of The Sun Conference and Florida Collegiate Umpires. He and I had several long conversations and I really appreciated they way he worked with us. His honesty and work ethic is hard to find in these changing times. Northwood will be hard pressed to replace him. Thanks for the years we had together.

Ian Graulich

February 27, 2014

I had the pleasure of working with Rick for over 8 years, and he was a great influence on me in many ways. He was a terrific boss, a mentor, a friend Reflecting upon our working relationship, I realize now how often he advised me about the things that were important in life, beyond work. He was a good friend and someone that I looked forward to visiting after we no longer worked together. His love of his family is a virtue that I continue to emulate. I strive to have the work ethic that he always showed.

I have read the thoughts of so many of his former players over the last few days, and I'm so inspired by the legacy he leaves behind. There is an outpouring of love and respect for Rick, and it is all so well deserved.

Rick was always so positive, even when faced with adversity. In a subtle way, he taught me that there's not much to be gained by going through life exuding negativity. A positive attitude and a love of life brings the greater fulfillment.

Rick, thank you for being a friend. My life is better for having known you. Rest in Peace.

Kathy Morgan

February 27, 2014

Barbara and Family, I'm so sorry for your loss..My Deepest Sympathy..Much Love to all of You...

Dan Stewart

February 27, 2014

I knew Rick for only a short time;however, I was always impressed with his professionalism and care for his student/athletes. He and his family are in my prayers.
Dan Stewart (former Commissioner Florida Sun Conference)

Jim Lysaght

February 27, 2014

Shock is a weak description of what I feel. We played tennis like two shoolboys on Sunday morning last. As every Sunday we shared and celebrated each other's successes and disappointments during our hour of intense exercise. I count him as a dear friend and now am bereft. Understandably, God wanted this truly great man closer. You wonderful Smoliak family, whose events and exploits I've cherished, now have a saint watching over you. I offer my deepest sympathy for our loss.

Mary Hallman

February 27, 2014

I'm so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to Barbara and the rest of the Smoliak family. XOXO

Ty Brewer

February 27, 2014

Coach Smoliak was a great man. He loved his family, friends, and his players. He had a great passion for sports, and used his coaching abilities to transform hundreds of young people he coached. He did things the right way, with honor and integrity. I am very thankful for all of the moments I shared with Coach Smoliak while he was my Athletic Director for over 12 years. He was a mentor, a leader, but most of all a friend. What sticks with me most was Coach Smoliak's love for his family. He was so very proud of his kids and grand kids, and He loved his wife dearly. The impact this man had on so many people cannot be expressed in words...Coach, Thank you for everything. Thank you for believing in me when others didn't, for supporting me when others wouldn't, and for teaching me when others thought I couldn't be taught. Thank You Coach!

Ty Brewer

May God Be with the Smoliak family!

George Weimer

February 27, 2014

My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Smoliak family. Cretin Class of '61

Angela Carpentiere

February 27, 2014

Comfort, Peace, Hope may they be yours in this time of sadness. Roger my thougts and prayers are with you and your family.

John Bryan

February 27, 2014

What a wonderful, wonderful guy! Rick was a blessing to everyone who knew him. I'll miss his smile & his cheerful greetings when he was walking, jogging or riding his bike in the neighborhood. God's timing is perfect, but it sure feels like Rick should still be here.

Nancy DiPierro

February 27, 2014

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. May you find strength in the love of your family and friends.
My Deepest Sympathy.

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