Name: Calling hours for Michael Patrick Smith
Start: 2019-12-13T15:00:00.000Z
End: 2019-12-13T16:00:00.000Z
Location: St. Michael Catholic Church

Michael Patrick Smith

Age 72 of Canton, Ohio passed away unexpectedly of natural causes. He was born on September 19, 1947 in Canton to the late Melville C. and Charlotte J. (Dlugolecki) Smith. He was a graduate of Canton Central Catholic High School and Walsh University. Michael served in the U.S. Air Force and Navy reserves. He studied film and media arts at American University in Washington D.C. and worked as the senior consultant at General Dynamics Information and Technology. Michael worked as a freelance writer and in public relations for the Red Cross and ABC News. He was a fourth degree Knight with the K of C in Owings, Md. Michael was a lifetime member of St. Michael Catholic Church.

He is survived by numerous cousins.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, December 13, 2019 at 11 a.m. at St. Michael Catholic Church, Canton with Rev. Fr. Benson Okpara as celebrant. Entombment will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Friends may call one hour prior to the mass (10-11 a.m.) at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Michael's memory to The Reserve Officers Association (1 Constitution Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002). Services entrusted to the Mark R. Vrabel Funeral Home North Canton 330-452-4041.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Repository on Dec. 10, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Smith

12 Entries

Scot Cregan

September 30, 2020

Very sad to hear the news of CAPT Michael P. Smith's passing. He was extremely helpful at my first DC job as a Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) contractor. He also took me under his wing as a U.S. Navy Reserve public affairs mentor and introduced me to the Reserve Organization of America (ROA) and NATO CIOR - Interallied Confederation of Reserve Officers. He really made an impact by leading by example and always bringing up everyone around him with a genuine smile and a keen sense of humor. He is sorely missed by his Shipmates.
Here's his Navy Log page on the United States Navy Memorial website: http://navylog.navymemorial.org/smith-michael-0

Joseph Quimby

September 28, 2020

Dear family and friends. I had the honor and privilege to work with Mike in the Navy over the course of many years. He was a superstar and made everyone feel special. Thank you for sharing home with us as we were the better for knowing and serving with him. I am sure he is in heaven looking upon you and his Navy with a smile.

Patrick Golden

September 28, 2020

To Mike’s family: I want to tell you how truly sorry I was to have recently learned of Mike’s passing last year.

I was fortunate enough to have served with him in the Navy. He was a true professional in accomplishing out duties and yet had a sense of compassion for the people who performed those tasks. He also had a wonderful sense of humor that he shared with those of us lucky enough to work with him.

Blessing to all of you and may the Lord grant eternal rest to him and may perpetual light shine upon him.

Chris Isleib

September 25, 2020

What an awesome guy. So very sad to hear this news. I served in the Navy Reserves with Captain Smith, and shared many laughs with him during our projects, and while attending conferences. He did great things as the National President of the Reserve Officers Association, and left a great legacy in our Navy Reserve public affairs community. Leadership, with a sense of humor. Fair winds.

CAPT Bill Hickman, USNR (Ret.)

September 25, 2020

Michael and I came into the Naval Reserve commissioning program the same year. We always would see each other at a conference or exercise as we each moved up the ladder. I followed him as PAO at the Naval Reserve Intelligence Command. A friend and shipmate. I am very sorry to hear about this.

Father Peter Reynierse, CDR, USN-Ret

September 25, 2020

A grest shipmate and friend. So sorry that I'm just learning about his passing nearly a year later. Requiescat in pace. Will offer a mass for the happy repose of his soul

David Wray

September 25, 2020

I’m saddened to learn of Mike’s passing. We met at the Pentagon during the first Gulf War and had many opportunities to serve together. He was a generous mentor and a great friend. Fair winds and following seas, Captain! Rest easy, sir, we have the watch.
David J. Wray
CAPT USN (ret)

Gary Shrout

September 25, 2020

Mike was a consummate professional and a wonderful human being. I had the pleasure and honor of working with Mike on a number of Navy projects. He will be sorely missed.

Suzette Kettenhofen

September 25, 2020

Only recently found out about his death as I wished him a Happy Birthday on Facebook. The PA community is shocked and mourns his death. Captain Mike was a highly respected Navy Public Affairs Officer who not only did a great job but also looked out for his junior members. His mentorship will sorely be missed.

CDR Evelyn Moy, USN (Ret)

September 25, 2020

CAPT Mike Smith was one of the finest people I ever met in my life. A generous and respected mentor, I worked with CAPT Smith in the US Navy at the Naval War College unit and knew him for decades. Condolences and prayers to his family. This is a true loss. Rest In Peace, Sir! Thank you for your long friendship and wise guidance.

Scott Morrison

December 12, 2019

I'm so sorry to hear of Mike's passing. I've known him all my life and as a fellow Navy veteran, we talked "shop" from time to time. He gave me my first set of Ensign shoulder boards for my commissioning. He will be missed:(

Roger Sandler

December 12, 2019

So sorry to learn that Mike has left his earthly family. He was a very talented man in his civilian endeavors as well in his reserve military service with the U.S. Navy Reserve. Mike was also elected as National President of the Reserve Officers Association of the United States. We will miss him. RIP.

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