Walter Raymond Smusz

On April 5th, Walter Raymond Smusz, beloved husband, father, papa, and friend, died at the age of 71. Born in Steubenville, Ohio on August 14, 1951, to Stanley and Alice Smusz, Walt inherited a strong work ethic, determination, love of country and family.

Walt’s two main loves in life were found while attending Ohio University: meeting his wife, Nancy, and flying airplanes – in fact, he got his pilot’s license and then a job as an instructor, driving his old Beetle to the field to give lessons. After graduating, he joined the United States Marine Corps where he served for eight years flying A6 Intruders in Squadron VMA(AW) 224 “Fighting Bengals” and VMA(AW) 533 “Hawks,” building lifelong friendships and making Havelock his home since 1977. Among many things, he was known for his technical flight maneuver, the ‘Smusz Away,’ and for hosting Friday night happy hour.

Leaving active duty in 1981, Walt joined the Reserves and became a commercial pilot. First flying for Air Illinois, he then transitioned to Piedmont Airlines where he began as a Flight Engineer on the Boeing 727, then First Officer on the Boeing 737. He later became Captain, flying the Fokker F28 and the Boeing 737 – his favorite commercial jetliner. After Piedmont merged with USAirways, he continued to fly the Boeing 737. As his children grew older, he often took holiday shifts so that young pilots could be home with their families in their first years flying for the company. After 40 years of flying, he retired from American Airlines.

Outside of his professional life, Walt was a lifelong Motown fan – having been the drummer for what later became the band Wild Cherry before they were famous – and he could identify the artist, song name, and history of a band within the first couple of beats. He loved the beach music festivals and even snuck into an after party with the Temptations. Walt also enjoyed golfing, spending hours on the course and in the yard honing his swing.

Most of all, though, he loved to laugh. Walt had a great sense of humor and a quick wit, and many of his one-liners will outlive us all. He was the life of a party with a keen sense of timing, including when it was time to go home, for himself or others. Walt cared deeply for his friends and family. He loved his two daughters and later, grandchildren. Each one with their own clever nickname and special spot in his heart.

Walt is survived by his wife of 49 years, Nancy Smusz, his daughters, Natalie Smusz-Mengelkoch and Renee Smusz, and his three grandchildren Lillian Mengelkoch (Lilly Maze), Tullis Mengelkoch (Dump Truck), and Sullivan Smusz (Meatball). He is also survived by his sister, Donna McCart and brother, Scott Smusz, as well as his cousin, Natalie Cichoski, and many other beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

We would like to warmly thank Scotty, Karah, the Newport and Havelock Fire and Rescue Squads, as well as the nurses, doctors, care specialists, and friends that have supported Walt during the last few months.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 29th, 2023, at 4:00 PM at the Cotten Funeral Home (2201 Neuse Blvd, New Bern, NC 28560). Memorial donations can be made to the Tunnels to Tower foundation. More information at www.t2t.org.

Arrangements by Cotten Funeral Home & Crematory. Online condolences may be made to the Smusz family at www.cottenfuneralhome.com