Robert David Smith

SMITH, ROBERT DAVID December 20, 1918 – September 28, 2011 Robert D. Smith, 92, OF Oregon, Ohio passed away on September 28, 2011 at Hospice of Northwest Ohio in Perrysburg, Ohio surrounded by his loving wife Eileen (Kitchen) Smith and his family. Robert was born in Norwalk, OH to the now deceased Don and Olive (Stoll) Smith. He was preceded in death by his brother Don (Barb), and is survived by his brother John (Barbara). Robert attended Norwalk St. Paul High School where he excelled on the athletic fields and in the classroom. Following graduation he continued his education and athletic career at De Sales College graduating with a B.A. in Education. Later, Robert received a Masters in Education from Bowling Green State University. In 1941, he returned to Norwalk St. Paul as an educator and coach until World War II commanded his services. Robert was enrolled in the U.S. Army and stationed in California where he served as a physical trainer for the Army Air Force. After the war, Robert found employment at Fremont St. Joseph Central Catholic High School where he spent nearly 30 years educating and coaching. At SJCC Robert became the legendary Coach Smith; garnering countless championships and accolades in both football and basketball. In 1960, he was honored as OHSAA Football Coach of the Year. In 1974 he received the OHSAA Athletic Director of the Year award. Robert married Ethel Davis in 1941 who sadly died on January 14, 1975. Together they had five children, Carol Belle (Don), Jeanne Kerr (Ron – deceased), Robert (Sharon), Sharon Moody (George “Bud”) and Michael (Mary), all who survive him. In 1976, Robert joined the business department at Toledo Central Catholic where he continued to coach. Robert continued to work at Central Catholic until his last few months. While at Central, he met Eileen Kitchen and they married in 1977. Robert gained two more daughters from marriage, Lynn Langel (Gary) and Karen Kitchen, all who survive him. Robert was blessed to have 18 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren all who deeply loved and cherished their grandfather. Robert lived a full and accomplished life. He was inducted into the Ohio High School Football Coaches Association, the Fremont St. Joseph, the Toledo Central Catholic, and the Norwalk St. Paul Halls of Fame. He has been honored with the “Mac” Morrison Lifetime Service Award presented by the Northwest District Athletic Board and also the Distinguished Service Award by the Toledo Chapter of the National Football Foundation. Although greatly accomplished, Robert quickly would defer credit and acclaim to his coaches, players, friends, especially Bill Axe, his family and his immense faith in God, without all of whom he would insist no acclaim would be necessary. Rarely does a man live whom positively influences hundreds upon hundreds of people, making others better for having known him. Robert Smith was and forever will be that man. The family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to Dr. Josephine Collaco for her wonderful care though the years and to Hospice of Northwest Ohio for their compassionate care the last three weeks of his life. Visitation will be Saturday, October 1, 2011 from 2 -8 pm at Hoeflinger-Bolander Funeral Home 3500 Navarre Ave, Oregon, OH 43616 and Sunday October 2 from 2 -8 pm at Keller Ochs Koch Mason Funeral Home at 416 S. Arch St. Fremont OH 43420. Prayers will be held at 7:30 each night of visitation. Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, October 3 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Fremont, OH at 2 pm with Monsignor Mike Billian officiating. Burial will be at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Fremont, OH. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Toledo Central Catholic High School, Fremont St. Joseph Central Catholic High School, Little Sisters of the Poor, and Hospice of Northwest OH.