Obituary of Joseph D. Smole

Joseph D. Smole passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 1, 2015. He was born on April 28, 1921 in Akron, Ohio to Mary (Helfrich) and John Smole. He was 93 years old. He grew up on Girard Street and lived in Firestone Park his entire life until moving to Green eight years ago to live with his daughter. Joe graduated from Garfield High School and was honorably discharged from the US Navy in October 1945 as a gunner's mate 3rd class, the highest ranking achievable. He came home to work at Firestone Tire & Rubber Company and retired with almost 40 years service. On January 11, 1947, he married the girl who was to become his wife and partner of 64 years, Lena Sibit. They soon welcomed their daughter, Lynda. Joe worked hard and played even harder. After working his shift at Firestone, he would come home, change into his matching shirt, golf pants and socks and head south to Firestone Country Club where he was a member for over 40 years. He loved to golf and was very skilled at the sport. He had two holes-in-one on the North Course's 17th hole, and was the first employee to eagle the longest hole, #16 (the Monster) - Arnold Palmer was next and he was a pro! Anyone that knew Joe knew that he liked his Miller High Life and could always be seen with a can in his hand working in the yard, pulling weeds, or mowing the lawn. His friends and neighbors hardly ever called him Joe - everyone called him "Charlie". It wouldn't surprise me if there were some who never knew his real name! He was preceded in death by his mother and father, John and Mary; his wife of 64 years, Lena (Sibit); three brothers, Martin, John, Florian and his sister, Madalyn. He is survived by his daughter Lynda, his sister-in-law, Jean Sibit; nephew Darrin and his son Derik; nephew Shawn, his wife Jennifer, and their children Tyler, Sara, Aaron and many other loving nieces, nephews and an extended family of Gayle, Kari and Dylan Kimberly. I would like to thank Dr. Atul Goswami, Dr. Amy Tucker, and the staff at Akron General Hospice on Ridgewood Road for making his final days peaceful and pain free. Much love and gratitude to his home care givers Kimberly Procaro and Sharon Eagon. "My dad is a man like no other. He gave me life, nurtured me, taught me, dressed me, fought for me, held me, shouted at me, kissed me, but most importantly loved me unconditionally. There are not enough words I can say to describe just how important my father was to me, and what a powerful influence he continues to be … " I Love You Dad. Funeral service prayers will be held Monday, January 5, 2105 at 9:30 a.m. at the Anthony Funeral Home Kucko-Anthony-Kertesz Chapel, 1990 S. Main St. Akron, Ohio 44301. Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at St. Paul Catholic Church, 1580 Brown St. Akron, Ohio 44301. Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery. The family will receive friends Sunday, January 4, 2015 from 3 to 6 p.m. at the funeral home. (Anthony, Akron, 330-724-1281, www.anthonyfh.com)