James R. Smilak, 74

Mr. James R. Smilak, 74, of North Sewickley Twp. passed away on Wednesday, July 19th, 2023 at the Heritage Valley Medical Center.

Mr. Smilak was born in New Brighton on September 11th, 1948 to the late Alex and Rose (Simko) Smilak. He is a member of the Beaver Falls High School class of 1966. James enlisted with the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War on November 28th, 1967 and served until his honorable discharge on July 11th, 1969 with the rank of SP 4. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and Vietnam Campaign Medal. Following his service with the Army Jim went back to his job at the Babcock & Wilcox Steel Mill in Beaver Falls and later Ambridge in the maintenance department and retired with 50 years of service. He enjoyed walking at Brush Creek Park and hunting for mushrooms especially sheepshead.

He is survived by his wife Caroline “Lina” (DiBuono) Smilak whom he married on September 24th, 1977, sister Rose Smilak of Beaver Falls, brothers Dick Smilak of North Sewickley Twp., Delbert (Susan) Smilak of New Brighton, and John (Patty) Smilak of Augusta, GA, and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Sunday from 4-7 pm at the Samuel Teolis Funeral Home and Crematory Inc. . A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Monday at 11:00 am at the Divine Grace Parish, Holy Redeemer Church with Father Joseph Freedy officiating. Interment will follow at the Locust Grove Cemetery. Members of the Veterans Honor Guard are asked to meet at the cemetery by 11:50 am to conduct full military honors.

Memorial contributions in Mr. Smilak’s name may be made to the Divine Grace Parish Holy Redeemer Angel Fund, Beaver County Human Society, of the American Cancer Society.