John Paul Smigelsky

John Paul Smigelsky, age 75, of Charlotte, NC and Omaha, NE, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 20, 2023. He was preceded in death by his parents, Michael & Theresa Smigelsky, and his sister, Mary Marvosa.

Born to Michael Smigelsky and Theresa (Homyock) Smigelsky on July 24, 1947, in Elizabeth, NJ, John attended Linden High School in Linden, NJ. After graduation he ventured west to attend Tarkio College (Tarkio, MO). He moved to Omaha for his first teaching job and went on to complete an M.S. degree in Elementary Education from the University of Nebraska-Omaha and an Ed.S. degree in Educational Administration from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

While teaching and living in Omaha, John met Janice. He courted her while she traveled through Europe the summer after they met. They were married on May 30, 1975. John taught elementary school with Omaha Public Schools before becoming the elementary school principal in Fort Calhoun, NE. In 1981 he pursued a new career in finance as a stockbroker with Kirkpatrick, Pettis, Smith, Polian Inc. in Omaha. He retired as a stockbroker from D.A. Davidson in 2017. John's career as a stockbroker provided him numerous opportunities to enjoy trips with his colleagues that also fostered his love of travel - particularly places with beautiful natural scenery. He genuinely enjoyed his work and readily used his skills as an educator in his relationships with clients, who appreciated and often adored him.

John was a determined, practical, generous, and tender-hearted man. His calm, unassuming demeanor instantly put others at ease. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, playing cards, and attending happy hours with friends. John was a steadfast supporter of his daughters' pursuits, including music-making which was one his beloved pastimes. After retirement, John and Jan moved to North Carolina to be close to their daughters and granddaughters. A beloved Papa, John's greatest joy throughout his life was his girls - three generations of them.

John is survived by his wife Jan (Charlotte, NC) with whom he shared a committed life of trust and faith in one another; daughters Meagan Beldner (Mint Hill, NC) and Melissa Smigelsky Wynkoop (Durham, NC); sister Linda Iazzetta (Linden, NJ); brother-in-law, Anthony Marvosa (Westfield, NJ); sons-in-law, Timothy Beldner and Rodney Wynkoop; nieces, nephews, and 4 granddaughters.

A memorial service for John will be held Wednesday, July 5, 2023 at 11:00 AM at McEwen Funeral Service-Mint Hill Chapel, 7428 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill, NC 28227.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Atrium Health Foundation’s Pediatric Rheumatology Fund in memory of John. One of John’s granddaughters participates in their research. https://fundraise.atriumhealthfoundation.org/give/255923/#!/donation/checkout

Please select “Pediatric Rheumatology” in the drop down menu. Memorial gifts may also be mailed to Atrium Health Foundation, 208 East Blvd. Charlotte, North Carolina, 28203, and should include the name of the honoree and designated area of support.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mcewenminthillchapel.com.