Ronald John Smetanick

1942 - 2021

Ronald "Ron" John Smetanick, died peacefully in his beloved home in Gabriels, New York on April 17, 2021 surrounded by his loving family. Ron is survived by his wife, Corinne Smetanick; four children, sons Patrick and wife Lisa, Billy and wife Cindy, John and wife Laura, and daughter Michelle; nine grandchildren Peter, John E., Ian, Raymond, Lucas, Abigail, Max, Ren, and Delaney; step grandchildren Kevin, Chase, Blake; Angela, Buddy, Brian, and Jake; six step great-grandchildren; a brother Denny; a sister Joyce; and many loving brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother Tom Smetanick.

Ron was the first child born to John and Irene Smetanick on January 9, 1942 in Tarentum, Pennsylvania. He graduated from New Kensington High School in 1959 and received a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Clarion College (University) in 1963. He married his college sweetheart, Corinne Hough, in 1963, and with his wife, while raising four children, established his career in Montgomery County Public Schools as a science teacher. He quickly advanced to the position of the head of the science department at Thomas S. Wootton High School where he led, for twenty-five years, a respected and accomplished team of science teachers. Always positive, fearless, and forward thinking he continued to encourage everyone to do their best, developing a well renowned science program that continues to thrive today. Ron achieved a Masters of Education from the University of Maryland and continued his passion for learning through the completion of many advanced science courses building his craft of teaching and deepening his discipline of science. He trained teachers; developed STEM programs; wrote curriculum; participated in the development of partnerships with organizations such as NIH and NIST while working as an adjunct professor of biology for many years at Montgomery College. He was the recipient of the 1978 Maryland Biology Teacher of the Year award. His love for teaching; passion for science; and respect for students and colleagues combined with his gentle yet strong leadership inspired so many lives! Ron retired from MCPS in 1993 and worked for the next six years leading and building the science department of a respected private school

Ron's greatest interest was people! He showed genuine enthusiasm in others' lives spending most of his time building and maintaining lifelong relationships with friends and family members through simple phone calls and common hobbies such as fishing, woodworking, gardening, beekeeping, photography, reading, bird watching, hiking, canoeing, camping and some traveling. The legacy of this great man also includes Scoutmaster for Troop 433 of Olney and Coach of the Olney Green Machine soccer team. He fell in love with the Adirondacks on the many High Adventure trips with his scout troop. After thirty years of residence in Olney, Maryland, Ron and Corinne permanently moved to Rainbow Lake in 2000 quickly becoming an endeared addition to the community. Together, they built a welcoming respite for friends and family filled with love, laughter and joy! Ron enjoyed boating his guests around Rainbow Lake teaching about the ecosystem and local history. He was a fount of information and continued to teach anyone who was curious about our world. We have lost a great one! A loving husband, a great father, an amazing Dzedu, a caring brother, brother-in-law, uncle, a faithful friend and a forever teacher.

A memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, June 26th at 11 a.m. at Saint Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Libertytown, Maryland with Pastor, Fr. Charles Wible officiating. The family will receive visitors in the church narthex before mass. We welcome stories of Ron and prayers for the deceased.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Project Healing Waters.