Trending
CANFIELD -- Philip P. "Fast Philly" Smrek, 86, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023, at St. Elizabeth Boardman Hospital.
He was born July 2, 1937, in Youngstown, a son of the late Charles and Catherine Evan Smrek. A proud 1955 graduate of Struthers High School, Phil lettered in all sports during his school years.
He served honorably in the United States Army until his discharge in 1964.
He worked at Reactive Metals in Niles for just less than 10 years, including during his time in the military. He then worked at General Motors Lordstown in their receiving department until his retirement in 1994.
Phil married the love of his life, the former Joan Polder, on Sept. 29, 1962. In their retirement, he and Joni enjoyed being "snowbirds" in Bonita Springs, Florida, which enabled him to continue his love of golf year-round.
In keeping with his nickname, "Fast Philly" spent his retirement working at golf courses in both Ohio and Florida, including Mill Creek Golf Course in the summers and most recently Shadow Wood Preserve Country Club in Florida during the winters
Phil had a bright, alert and outgoing personality. He was well loved by anyone lucky enough to know him and will be dearly missed.
He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his beloved wife of 61 years, Joan; his sons, Philip Smrek of New York City, New York, Paul Smrek of Los Angeles, California, and Patrick (Kimberly) Smrek of Austintown; and his grandchildren, Logan, Grace and Donovan.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Robert and Eugene Smrek.
Calling hours will be 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 28, 2023, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Austintown, followed immediately by a memorial Mass of Christian Burial at 1 p.m. Military honors will be rendered for his service to our country after the Mass.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the Mahoning Valley Hospital Foundation Golf Endowment to Benefit Mill Creek Park, c/o Mill Creek MetroParks, 7574 Columbiana Road, Canfield, OH 44406, in Phil's memory.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Davidson-Becker Funeral Home in Struthers. Visit www.beckerobits.com to send the family condolences.
(special notice)