NORMAN SMITH, JR.

NORMAN SMITH, JR.  age 74.  Beloved father of Erin Schwartz (Thomas) and Melissa Janicek (Anthony). Cherished grandfather of Nathan, Joseph and Molly Schwartz. Son of  Mary Jane and Norman Smith, Sr. (deceased).  Dearest brother of Geoff (Patty), Timothy (Gloria), Christopher (Susan), Matthew Smith (Becky) and Dawn Clough (Gary) and many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews.  Retired from the U.S.P.S and a proud U.S. Army Vietnam Veteran.  

In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Berea Animal Shelter is suggested. 

“How do you sum up one man's life in a few short paragraphs?  It's just an impossible task to do. Our Dad went to West Tech High School in Cleveland, Ohio.  He joined the Army where he served in Vietnam, which would unfortunately be the catalyst for many ailments throughout his life.  Despite his exposure to Agent Orange, and how that took away from him physically, our Dad loved.  He loved photography. He loved nature. He loved taking us to feed ducks. He loved whales.  He loved being outdoors.  He loved camping.  He loved learning about science and teaching it to us.  He loved fishing. He loved the oldies radio station. He loved listening to records.  He loved his cat Alex. But most of all my Dad loved us.  He loved his family. He loved both his daughters and he especially loved his grandchildren. Our Dad did the best he could do with the hand he was dealt.  He suffered and survived things in life most people wouldn't make it though. So much you'd think he was unbreakable. The hard truth is no one really is.  We were glad to be with him holding his hands in his final moments.  All of us feeling nothing but deep and emense love for eachother. After-all, love is the one thing that got our Dad through all of his struggles and it is what he leaves in all of our hearts with his passing.  In the end, we all have his love and our love for him. We will see and feel him in our appreciation for nature, one of the best gifts he ever gave us.” -His loving Daughters

The family will gather to greet friends Thursday February 16, 2023 from 4 - 7 PM at the A. RIPEPI AND SONS FUNERAL HOME, 18149 BAGLEY ROAD, MIDDLEBURG HEIGHTS, OHIO 44130 (WEST of I-71)