Donald A. Smithberger, 77, US Army Veteran, Avid Bowler and Always Helped Family and Friends
Donald A. Smithberger, 77, of Lorain, died Friday March 4, 2011 while under the care of his daughter Shelly and son-in-law Boomer Riley at the Anne Wilkens Home in Lorain after a long illness.
He was born April 21, 1933 in Lorain and had been a lifelong Lorain area resident.
Don served with the US Army during the Korean War. He worked at the Ford Assembly Plant in Lorain as a hooker in the rail yard for 33 years before retiring.
Don coached Lorain Little League baseball and was an avid bowler, hard worker, good father and would do anything to help his family and friends.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years Barbara Smithberger (nee Martins), children Shelly Riley (Boomer) and Debra Paslawski (Michael), all of Lorain, grandchildren Nicole Aponte, Matthew Riley, Jenny Uleski and Michael, Erica and Michele Paslawski, 9 great grandchildren and brothers Dale Smithberger (Jean) and Robert Smithberger, all of Lorain. He was preceded in death by his son Richard Smithberger, father Richard W. Smithberger and mother Wynona Smithberger-Widdershein (nee Sherck).
Private family funeral services will be held. Burial will be in Ridge Hill Memorial Park in Amherst Township with military honors conducted by the VFW Post #451/American Legion Post #30 of Lorain.
Memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society, 43099 N. Ridge Rd., Elyria, OH. 44035.
Arrangements are under the direction of Gluvna-Shimo-Hromada Funeral Chapel, 3224 Broadway Ave., Lorain.
Online condolences may be made at www.gluvna.net.