Donald "Don" R. Smiley Sr.

He was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, uncle, father-in-law, grandpa, great-grandpa, and a good friend to many. He and his wife Carmen were faithful parishioners at St. Gabriel Catholic Church in Concord for many years, and in earlier years, at St. Mary Magdalene in Willowick.

Don is survived by his daughters and son: Dawn Smiley Hearn and husband Brian; Diane (Smiley) Bukovec and husband Bob; and Don Smiley, Jr. and wife Kelley. He is survived as well by his brother Bill Smiley and his wife Linda of Concord, and their children, Bill and Holly, and his son-in-law John Morgan.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 67 years, Carmen, and his daughter, Denise Smiley Morgan.

Don Sr. was a beloved grandpa to 10 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren:

Lindsay (Hearn) Bidwell, husband Matt and their son Asher Paul; Emily (Hearn) DiPofi, husband Jeff, and their daughter Erin Elyse; Molly Hearn, Danny Hearn, Lindsey Carr, Melanie Bukovec, Bobby Bukovec and his wife Ashley, and Natalie Bukovec, Melissa Morgan, and Kevin (Morgan) Wantuch and wife Sam.

Don’s father, Ralph Smiley, instilled a love of fishing in his son. Don went on many fishing adventures with his father and his brother Bill growing up, and continued through his entire life. He shared that love of fishing with his son, Don, Jr. and many wonderful memories and “fish stories” were enjoyed by all who were lucky enough to join Don. Sr. on these trips. He was able to go on his 50th fly-in fishing trip to Canada in 2021.

Don was a truck driver for most of his working life at Ward Trucking, Gateway Transportation, and Yellow Corporation. If you needed directions to anywhere, he was the one to ask!

He and Carmen raised their family in Willowick. He enjoyed playing basketball, and coached his son in softball and basketball. He sometimes liked to wake up his daughters with a rousing tune from his harmonica if they were sleeping in too late, which they thoroughly enjoyed.

Don and Carmen loved to travel and camp, and took their family on many car trips across the country as the children were growing up. He and his wife visited ALL of the National Parks in the USA. They took many trips and cruises with Bill and Linda Smiley, and their good friends, Bob and Lucille Gelley. Some of the many places they visited were Australia, Alaska, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Greece, Germany, Hawaii (multiple times!) Italy, and Venezuela.

During his retirement, he also played many rounds of golf with his friends.

His family is planning a Celebration of Life at a later date.