JOHN SMITEK, age 99, of Avon, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 19, 2022, surrounded by his loving family, at Avon Oaks Assisted Living Facility, Avon, after a brief illness. He was born January 23, 1923 in North Ridgeville, and resided in Avon for the past 73 years. John was a 1942 graduate of North Ridgeville High School where he played football, basketball, and baseball. He proudly served his country during WW II as a corporal with the United States Army's 388th Military Police Escort Guard from 1943-1946. His unit was among many responsible for the imprisonment of over 275,000 German and Italian POW's resulting from the surrender of German General Erwin Rommel's Afrika Korps to the Allied Forces May 1943. He was employed by US Steel, Lorain Works from 1946-1982 as an electrician in the maintenance department and was a member of Local 1104. He was the owner of Avon Excavating Company from 1955-1981, working with both public and private entities throughout Northern Ohio and Southern Michigan. He was appointed as the City of Avon's Service Director from 1984-1993. John was a member of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Avon, and the Holy Name Society. He coached both St. Mary's boys CYO basketball and Avon Little League teams for many years. He enjoyed sports, especially the Avon Eagles and the Cincinnati Bengals, travel, and the occasional casino visit. He was an active member of the Avon Athletic Booster Club from the 60's to 80's and was recognized for his significant contributions by the Avon Athletic Hall of Fame committee. John is survived by his children: Dale (Kathy), Nancy (Walter) Galvin, Carole (William) Logan, Mark, Jon (Janet), and Gary (Colleen), 14 Grandchildren, 13 Great-Grandchildren with one arriving in November; and Sister: Carolyn Forthofer. John was preceded in death by his beloved wife: Marian (née Urig), of 58 years; parents: Nikodem and Sophia (née Mrocek) Smitek; Brothers: Frank, James, Edward, and George Smitek; and Sisters: Margaret Smith and Helen Mahl, Veronica Diewald, and Agnes Staveski.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, August 24, 2022, from 10 a.m. until time of Mass at 11 a.m. at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 2640 Stoney Ridge Rd., Avon, followed by interment in St. Mary Cemetery, Avon (visitation in church). Memorial contributions may be made to Avon Oaks Activities Fund or the Avon Athletic Booster Club. MISENCIK FUNERAL HOME in Avon is in charge of arrangements.