Robert Franklin Smayda

1940 - 2021

Robert Franklin Smayda
January 18, 1940 - January 24, 2021
Resident of Walnut Creek, CA
Bob passed away due to complications arising from a very rare, untreatable muscle disease – Inclusion Body Myositis. He was born in a small western Pennsylvania coal mining town to Joseph (an immigrant from what is now Slovakia) and Eleanor Blank Smayda. The town was comprised of many ethnic groups, recent immigrants from Eastern Europe. His father operated a local appliance store. Bob and his older brother, Joe, attended the local schools, where he participated in basketball and football and excelled in his studies. He grew up knowing most people in town. This small-town atmosphere permeated his outlook on life, generated an interest in history, and was the genesis for many stories . . . mention the name "Herminie" and be prepared to settle in for an afternoon of many interesting tales.
Days after Bob's graduation from high school, the family left for California as his father sought work in the burgeoning aircraft industry. Bob had been accepted at Stanford University and his future world would be much different, from living in a home with no running water to attending a world-class university. He thrived in the new atmosphere, immediately joining the Stanford crew team and Delta Chi fraternity, then applying and being accepted to the school's very first overseas campus, located in Germany. On his return to the Palo Alto campus, Bob switched from an Electrical Engineering major to seeking a career in a humanitarian field.
His professional career began in 1962 as a social worker for Alameda County – a fortuitous decision as there he met his future wife, Patricia Kent, who was also working in social work at the County. The two were married January 4, 1964, the beginning of their 58 years together. They traveled to Ann Arbor, Michigan, where Bob attended the graduate school of Social Work. Their first son, Anthony Kent, was born there. Returning to California, Bob began his 50-year social work career with Contra Costa County. The family settled in the Saranap area of Walnut Creek and remains in the same home today. Their second son, Alex Lucas, was born, and both sons grew up attending Walnut Creek schools. Bob was an involved and proud father, participating with his sons in Indian Guides and Boy Scouts. He was a supportive and loving husband, always welcoming Patricia's friends and family and sharing her interests in her sewing career and attending her Fresno school reunions.
Bob was a loyal friend, involved in many circles of friendship . . . family, his fraternity brothers, Germany connections, church, professional colleagues, Peet's buddies, thrift store cohorts, and bicycling acquaintances. Everyone who knew him was amazed at his phenomenal memory . . . he never forgot a name, a person's workplace and family names, every place where he had traveled, including its history and background. Bob faced his progressive disease with determination and fortitude, never complaining and always pushing himself to maintain strength. He leaves behind his grieving widow, Patricia, his adoring son, Alex, and his brother, Joe. Tragically, his older son, Anthony, passed away in 2015 from colon cancer. Bob's infectious smile and kindness will be sorely missed.
We hope to have a Celebration of Life (gathering) at a future date. If you wish to donate in his name, we suggest Grace Presbyterian Church and / or the Myositis Foundation.


View the online memorial for Robert Franklin Smayda