Edward G. Smrek

Surrounded by his loving family, on November 16, 2024, Edward G. Smrek passed away peacefully at The Addison of Cornersburg where he resided the past year with his devoted and loving wife, Rita.

Edward, known by his family and friends as “Ed,”was born September 16, 1928 in Youngstown, Ohio to the late George Smrek and Mary (Granchie) Smrek Hutira.

Upon graduating from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1946, he began working for Youngstown Sheet and Tube at the Briar Hill Works until 1951 when he proudly joined the U.S. Air Force during the Korean Conflict.

In 1955, Ed came back home to Youngstown and returned to the Youngstown Sheet and Tube Company while also enrolling in night classes at Youngstown State University. Ed graduated from YSU in 1962 and worked his entire career in the steel industry as a metallurgical chemist. He spent 36 years with YS&T and later 14 years with Republic Steel in Warren until his retirement in 1997.

After meeting the love of his life, the former Rita R. Walihnac, on July 4, 1955 at the Avon Oaks ballroom in Girard, he asked her for her hand in marriage after four short months. They married on April 21, 1956 and recently celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary.

Ed’s greatest joys in life were his deep love for his family and his passion for music. A man of deep faith, he and Rita were charter members of St. Luke Parish for 60 years where they raised their children to place God first in their lives. He was a 3rd Degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus and was a member of St. Luke’s Holy Name Society.

An accomplished musician, Ed played the saxophone, clarinet, and violin in a local polka band led by Steve Garchar. Additionally, he was the longest standing member with the Youngstown Symphony Orchestra where he skillfully played his violin, for over 48 years, until he reluctantly retired at the tender, young age of 86.

In his later years, he also enjoyed playing his violin alongside his sons as a member of the Youngstown State Orchestra. For the last 30 years, he also enjoyed playing Christmas carols in the living room on Christmas Eve with his children, their spouses, and his grandchildren, all accompanying him on their own instruments. He was lovingly known as "the leader of the band."

Ed also enjoyed swimming, bowling and golfing. As a YSU alumni, post-retirement, he took advantage of the opportunity offered to all alumni enabling him to attend various classes on campus. He even ended up in a class with one of his grandchildren!

Left behind to mourn Ed is his loving wife of 68 years, Rita R. Walihnac. Left to cherish his memories are his five children, his sons, Ron (Melissa), Richard (Linda), and Randy (Tracey), and his daughters, Rose (Ray) Knight and Ruth (Airic) Balestra. He leaves ten grandchildren, Michael Smrek, Anne Smrek (Rod Scoville), Mary Smrek, Shannon (Zach) Christoff, Brianna (Tim) Koehler, Chris Knight, Conner Knight, Nathan Smrek, Emilee (Sam) Dwyer, and Natalee Balestra; five great grandchildren, Audrey, Alex, and Aiden Christoff, Noah Koehler and Leo Scoville. He also leaves behind two sisters, Rita Premec and Mary Ann Lapinski; and a sister-in-law, Helen Walihnac.

Ed was preceded in death by his mother and father; his sister, Mary Ellen “Dolly” Ivan; and his brother, William Smrek.

Family and friends may call on Friday, November 29, 2024,  from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Davis-Becker Funeral Home, 8536 Market Street in Boardman and Saturday, November 30, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. at St. Luke Catholic Church, 5235 South Avenue in Boardman where a Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:00 a.m. Interment will take place at Calvary Cemetery in Youngstown.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that material contributions take the form of memorial contributions to either the Youngstown Symphony Orchestra, 260 West Federal Street Youngstown, OH, 44503; or, to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN, 38105.

The family would like to thank both the staff at Addison of Cornersburg and the staff at Akeso Home Care and Hospice for their compassionate care.

Please visit www.beckerobits.com to share memories and condolences with Ed's family.