Leonard E. Smalley

Leonard Ernest Smalley passed away Friday, March 31, 2017, at Mercy-St. Charles Hospital. Leonard was born February 1, 1939, to Orville and Margaret (Hobbs) Smalley. Leonard was born and raised in Ironville, Ohio, until moving to Oregon, Ohio, and graduated from Waite High School in 1957. He married the love of his life, Jean Ann Taylor, on April 2, 1960. Jean and Leonard were constant companions for 57 years, only separated by Jeans death, which occurred two weeks to the day before his passing. Leonard retired from GM Powertrain in 1988. Leonard was an avid hunter and fisherman. He and Jean joined Cooley Canal Yacht Club (CCYC) in 1976, where he was the Rear Commodore (1999), Vice Commodore (2000) and Commodore (2001). He was inducted into the International Order of the Blue Gavel in 2002. Leonard was instrumental in starting the first CCYC Wild Game Dinner in 2002. This tradition continues today. He was influential in the fundraiser to provide the CCYC with a much-needed elevator, which was installed in 2009. Leonard had a wonderful sense of humor. He loved to laugh and tease so much that he was known as Ornery to those who knew and loved him. Leonard is preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Jean. Left to cherish his memory are his children, Jeffrey Smalley (Lois Kersten) of Martin, Jacqueline Gacsal (Frank) of Maumee and Lori Pietrowski (Joe) of Elmore. Surviving are his grandchildren: Sarah Smalley, Andrew Tibbs (Ayla), Sean Tibbs, Lindsay Schroeder (Ben), Amber Siefke (Jeff), Brittany Marko (Pete Lizcano), Ryan Marko (Marissa Laraby), and Logan Pietrowski; and step grandchildren, Laura Nowak (Dan) and Michael Kersten (Jessica). His great grandchildren are: Alaya, Marcus, Liberty, and Brayden Schroeder and Max Marko-Lizcano; and step-great grandchildren, Alayna, Ava and Braden. Also surviving Leonard are his sister, Sharon (George) Horvath and brother-in-law, John (June) Taylor; nieces, Shannyn (Dave) Miller, Kelli (Matt) Bollman and nephew, Eric Horvath. A Celebration of Life will be held, Saturday, April 8, 2017, at 3:00 p.m. at Cooley Canal Yacht Club, 12235 Bono Rd., Curtice, OH 43412. All are welcome. The family suggests that memorials for Leonard be given to Allen-Clay Joint Fire Dist., Station #36, 101 E. 6th St., Genoa, OH 43430; St. Johns United Church of Christ, 1213 Washington St. Genoa, OH 43430. The Robinson-Walker Funeral Home & Crematory of Genoa has assisted the family with arrangements.