Robert John Smiell

Robert John Smiell, 63, of Burgettstown, Hanover Township, formerly of Strongsville, Ohio, passed away peacefully Tuesday evening, October 30, 2018, in his home after a relentless fight and journey with pancreatic cancer.

He was born December 23, 1954, in Brownsville, a son of Veronica Carnovich Smiell of Allison and the late Walter Robert Smiell.

A graduate of the Brownsville High School, he also earned his degree in mechanical engineering from Pennsylvania State University.

Mr. Smiell worked as a mechanical engineer in the steel industry for PE Technologies in Ohio, Millcraft in Washington and most recently for Davis Controls Corp., Pittsburgh.

He was a devout parishioner of Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church in Burgettstown where he, his son and his wife, Debbie, constructed and installed the large wooden cross in front of the church. He was also a member of Knights of Columbus Council 3440 of Burgettstown.

An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, vintage automobile restoration and walking his dog, Cody, with his wife, Debbie.

He spread God's word by mentoring and encouraging many. A "Mr. Fix It" attitude, problem solver and a never stop mentality.

His loving wife, Deborah Brajdic Smiell, whom he married August 19, 1978, survives.

He was the proud father of Heather Renee Freier and husband Joshua, Ashley Lynn Farling and husband Jonathon, both of Hilliard, Ohio, and Nathaniel Robert Smiell and fiancée Stevie Capan of Oakdale; four grandchildren Keegan, Amelia, Everly and Cameron; brother Richard Smiell and wife Tina of Hopwood; two sisters, Janice Smiell, M.D., and husband James Koons of Morristown, N.J., and Karen Brooks of Belle Vernon; and several nieces and nephews.

He also leaves behind his beloved dog and companion, Cody.

Mr. Smiell was, most importantly, a wonderful husband, father, papa, son, mentor and friend. He will be remembered by his wife as "My Bobby," "Santa Papa" by grandchildren Everly and Cameron, and "Papa" to Keegan and Amelia. He will be missed.

Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday in Lee and Martin Funeral Home, 73 Highland Avenue, Burgettstown, where prayers of transfer will begin at 10:30 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. Saturday, November 3, in Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 1109 Main Street, Burgettstown. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.