Ronald Richard Smoker

Ronald Richard Smoker, 79, of Gaithersburg, Maryland, passed away peacefully on Sunday February 5, 2023. He was born in Magee Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on July 10, 1943 and peacefully passed away at his home. Mr. Smoker is survived by his wife of 43 years, Kyong Hui (Cho) Smoker; daughters, Kimberly Ann Vaughn (Thomas) and Tamara Allison Smoker; son, Dr. Jason James Smoker (Kristen); 7 grandchildren Christopher, Melanie, Mahaley, Holden, Charlotte, Nora and Paul; sisters, Lois Jencka (Frank) and Evelyn McDonnel (Kenneth); 8 nieces and nephews (1 preceded him in death); two godchildren; and a host of friends and colleagues. His parents, Joseph J. and Mary L. (Griger) Smoker, preceded him in death.

Ronald grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where he attended Carrick High School and went on to graduate from Salem College and attain his masters in nuclear engineering at University of Maryland. He served his country in the United States Army for 20 years and continued his career post army working with the federal government and then as a private contractor until he retired in 2015.

Ronald, an active member of St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church in Gaithersburg, was a man of Christ. He loved our Jesus Christ, Kyong Hui, his family and friends. He has always loved people, and loved to talk with friends and family about multitude of topics ranging from the Pittsburgh Steelers, to current affairs. Also, in his retirement he loved traveling with his wife, enjoying time with family and keeping up with the 11th Engineer Battalion association of which he was an integral part. In his last days he was able to come home and be cared for by his family with the help of hospice.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St Jude’s Children Research Hospital https://www.stjude.org/ .

The immediate family will receive family, friends and colleagues Saturday February 11th 2023 from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m, followed immediately by 11:30 mass at St Martin of Tours at 201 S Frederick Ave in Gaithersburg MD. A graveside service will follow immediately at All Souls Cemetery om Brink Rd in Gaithersburg MD.