Patrick H. Smyth Sr.

Patrick H. Smyth Sr., beloved father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family. He lived a full life marked by integrity, faith, and his enduring belief that "every day is a great day."

Born in Washington, D.C., in 1939 to Patrick Augustus Smyth and Helen Marie Lloyd, Pat spent his early years in the nation's capital. He attended Georgetown Preparatory School, where he played football and basketball, famously earning the nickname "Leadball" for his limited vertical jump. After his father's passing when he was just 11, Pat's mother later remarried John Edgar Gealy, who became a formative influence in his life.

Pat graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1961. His class, which according to lore, Notre Dame professors humorously dubbed the "worst ever," went on to produce more lawyers than any other-foreshadowing his own path. Pat continued his studies at American University, where he earned a law degree.

He proudly served in the U.S. Army National Guard, notably providing security during Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s historic "I Have a Dream" speech in Washington, D.C. While visiting Rhode Island during his Army years, he met a fun-loving Italian farm girl who swept him off his feet: Arlene Ianero. They married in 1969 and soon after moved to Roselle, Illinois, where he began practicing law-first with Allied Van Lines and later in his own firm specializing in the trucking industry.

Together, Pat and Arlene raised two sons, Patrick Jr. and Sean. After suffering a devastating brain aneurysm when the boys were very young, Pat Sr.'s miraculous recovery included bonding with Sean as they learned their ABCs together.

A passionate runner, Pat competed in community races throughout his life. He enjoyed collecting trophies as he aged-partly, he'd say with a grin, because there was less competition. His faith was equally steadfast: during his daily commute, he often attended Mass at St. Peter's Church, where he served as a Eucharistic minister, across the street from his Madison Avenue office in downtown Chicago.

After Arlene's passing in 2001, Pat moved from the suburbs to Chicago's Museum Campus, where he embraced his new life with optimism and curiosity. At his granddaughter Madeline's second birthday party, he met Lois Jeruss, who became his devoted companion for 17 years. Together, they traveled the world-notably to Paris, Japan, Dublin, and Greece-and shared a deep love of family and discovery.

Pat was a proud Notre Dame football fan and an even prouder Pop Pop to his granddaughters Madeline Arlene Smyth (19) and Charlotte Angela Smyth (17). He instilled in them his signature sayings: "Every day is a great day" and "Very good," always delivered with an affirming nod.

Pat is survived by his sons Patrick H. Smyth Jr. and Sean Smyth; Sean's wife, Michelle (Darrow); and their two daughters, Madeline and Charlotte. He is also lovingly remembered by Lois Jeruss and her family: Jacqueline Jeruss and Lonnie Shea and their daughters Sydney (20), Skyla (18), and Saroya (16); and Stefanie Jeruss-Gowan and Ian Gowan and their children Ada (19) and Sebastian (15).

Pat's life was a testament to perseverance, love, and joy. His spirit lives on in the people he inspired, the family he cherished, and his simple, powerful belief that every day truly is a great day.

Family and friends will meet Friday, October 10, 2025, at Holy Name Cathedral, 735 North State Street, Chicago, Illinois 60654 for a 9:30 a.m. Visitation followed by a 10:30 a.m. Funeral Mass. Free parking for Holy Name Cathedral is available at 14 West Superior Street (between Dearborn Street and State Street). Please take a ticket for validation and use any nonreserved parking space on Lower Level One (LL1) or Lower Level Two (LL2).

For further information please call Michalik Funeral Home at 312-421-0936.