Birth date: Jan 6, 1947 Death date: Jul 8, 2017
Mr. Allen Smitko, age 70, of Nunica passed away Saturday, July 8, 2017 at home. He was born January 6, 1947 in Cleveland, OH to Edmund and Mary Ann (Guiliano) Smitko. On August 24, 1968 he married Willa VanderKaay in Mentor, OH. Read Obituary
We will always fondly remember Allen - good times shared over the years, frustrating rounds of golf, haggling over March Madness pics, and being next door office mates in Lathrop Village so many years ago. He will be missed - but lives in our hearts. Our deepest sympathy goes out to you Willa, and to you kids.
Sincerely, John Carpenter and Jeanne.
Prayer for the Smitko family. We met Allen several times, he was a wonderful person!
Love,
James and Brooke Wiles
Willa -
We only had the chance to meet Allen a few times but could tell he was a man that loved his God, his wife, and his family. He had such a way to make you laugh and feel loved. Our prayers are with you and your family. God promises to be near to the brokenhearted.
Bruce & Karen Reenders
Allen, I will not forget the help you, Willa, and your sister's family gave me when I moved back to Mentor 2 years ago and was wearing that big surgical boot for over 5 mos. What a relief it was to have your help as well as my brother's! Several times either you or your family stopped by to help me since then. Last Christmas you had the idea to take Willa and me past previous homes we or other relatives had lived in; what a drive down Memory Lane that was and I will cherish that day forever! When we got home Willa went upstairs for a bit and you immediately got on your i-phone to contact members of your family. Sitting there, I was really struck and touched by the passion and love you have always showed for your family and others.
Your choices and way you proceeded with your illness were a beautiful example for all of us. Thank you for leading us to think about life and death in such a perfect way. God bless you and may the greatest riches from Heaven be bestowed upon you, Allen!
Your Sister-in-Law, Ellyn Vander Kaay
Al, What a hoot he was. He made me laugh and he always caused me to think deeper than I was. His smile was welcoming and his appreciation of others was awesome. I got to know him through small group. He was willing to be vulnerable and emotionally connecting. Wila and Al. Love you both.
I knew Allen when he was a mfg representative calling on me at Ford Motor Company. Allen was always on time for meetings, always prepared, very professional and always with a playful grin saying "how are you?" It was a great balance professionalism and friendship. We were together on a long business trip to Europe including a weekend in Paris and another one in Hamburg where he and I went to see the opera Tosca. We were both happy and surprised to see real horses on stage during the performance. Allen was a fine and ethical business man and I was even more impressed by his kind and thoughtful human side, his friendship. Sending my deepest sympathies to his wife, children and family. Richard Reedy
Allen my dearly beloved brother in Christ ‼️ You were bigger and better than life❗I still see & feel you the first time our Lord let us meet @ CR in Christ the King Church. Introducing your self you flung your arms around me in a mighty bear 🐻 hug & welcomed me as if we were long lost friends. 😺👍🏻 I was right @ home w Smitty. You dined w me on Selmas gourmet cousin that we So enjoyed before our fellowships. Your love & friendship has never been eaqualed. I can't fathom the # of lives that you influenced. Mine is So much Richer because of my brother Allen. Sitting here under the nights shy w my 2 doggies puffing on a soggy I look 👀 to find you smiling in the Stars. Oh if you could only tell us how Fabulous heaven is. 🕊️📖. RIP I'm missing you ‼️🌴💞💐:flag-us:🎆💫
I remember so many fond memories of Allen, especially growing up - going on camping trips with Allen, Willa, and the kids, playing Chess with Allen, and going to the local lake or causeway to go fishing. More recently, going to visit the biggest private tree house in the country in Tennessee! Allen always had something fun planned for all of us, and love to drive to interesting places, even when there were sometimes really far away! I will always remember you, Allen, and miss you, but find comfort in our Lord's mercy and that he has prepared a place for you in heaven!
Brother-in-Law, Rick Vander Kaay
