Robert F. Smorada, Sr. 80

Robert F. Smorada Sr., 80, of Ellwood City, passed away Saturday at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital.

Born April 21, 1937 in Haydenville, PA, he was the son of the late Rudolph R. and Valeria Ann Buran Smorada.  He was married for 59 years to Marcia Lee Osterwise Smorada who survives. They were married September 29, 1958.

Bob graduated from the University of Pittsburgh School of Engineering. He received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemical Engineering in 1960. He was certified to practice Chemical Engineering in the States of Pennsylvania, California, New York, Massachusetts and South Carolina. Bob began his engineering career with Goodrich Gulf Chemicals in West Virginia. He then began working for Merck & Co for the next 30 years. He began in Pittsburgh as an Associate Engineer, then in Ellwood City (Calgon) as their Plant Engineer, finally retiring as the Project Manager in San Diego, California. He was professionally affiliated with the National Society of Professional Engineers, the California Society of Professional Engineers, past member of the PA Society of Professional Engineers, the Professional Engineer in Private Practice, Professional Engineer in Industry and the American Institute of Chemical Engineers.

Bob was an active member of the Calvin Presbyterian Church. He was the current bookkeeper, current Elder, member of the choir, past Deacon and former Junior High Sunday School teacher. He was a 15 year member of the Calvin Goofus Band and past admiral in the Calvin Mariners. He was a former member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church and United Church of Christ.

Bob civil and social activities included being the current president of the Fisher Farm Homeowners Association, member of the Ellwood Saxon Club, and a past member of the Ellwood City Civic Chorale. He enjoyed playing golf at a various courses and fresh water fishing. He also cherished time spent cooking and entertaining with family and friends.

In addition to his wife, Marcia, survivors include two daughters, Elizabeth (Jeffrey) Berendt of Ellwood City, Paula (William) Bond of Virginia Beach, VA; son, Robert “Rob” (Kathleen) Smorada Jr. of Ellwood City; three grandsons, Jeffrey (Kara) Smorada of Paso Robles, CA, Todd (Elizabeth) Berendt of Ellwood City, Zachary Bond of Virginia Beach, VA;and two granddaughters, Veronica Berendt of Ellwood City, and Kayla (Brandon) Bond of Virginia Beach, VA.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Albert J. Smorada and Rudolph Smorada, Jr in infancy.

Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, November 21, from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at the Marshall Funeral Home, 200 Fountain Ave. Ellwood City. Funeral Services will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday at 11am with his Pastor, Rev. Sean Brubaker officiating. Interment will follow in the Westmoreland County Memorial Park in Greensburg.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Calvin Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund.  Online condolences may be sent to marshallsfh.com.