Harold Lester Smuck, lovingly called “H.L.” by his family, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on October 23 at Valley Hospice North after a courageous battle with cancer. Harold was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.Harold was born in and remained a lifelong resident of Steubenville, OH. He was the son of the late Archie and Sarah (Burchfield) Smuck. He attended Wells High School but left prior to graduation to help support his family during the Great Depression by joining the Civilian Conservation Corp. H.L. was a true patriot and was proud to enlist in the U.S. Navy the day Japan bombed Pearl Harbor. He served from 1942 to 1945 as a coxswain on a YP boat in the Pacific fleet. On leave from the service, he married the love of his life, the former Ruth Ethel Burns, and they celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary in March 2009. Upon returning home, he began his career as a car inspector for the Pennsylvania railroad where he developed a lifelong love of railroading, and enjoyed train rides with his family. After being laid off, he studied to be a stationary engineer with the help of his wife, Ruth. He then began work at the Federal Paper Board. He ended his long career in 1987 at Wheeling Pittsburgh Steel as a stationary engineer in the blowing room in utilities.The great passion of his life was his wife and his family. He enjoyed nothing more than family vacations, family parties and holidays, supporting his grandchildren in their various endeavors, and taking leisurely drives with his wife. He was also very devoted to his Yorkie, Teco, who preceded him in death. He was a lifelong avid football fan and attended the first Big Red game played in Harding Stadium. He carried on the tradition of attending Big Red games with his son and grandson and remained a true Big Red fan his whole life. He also loved to cheer on the OSU Buckeyes and the Pittsburgh Steelers and eventually became a WVU fan with the help of his grandchildren. He enjoyed golfing with his wife and son and belonged to Cadiz Country Club.He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant sister, Anna Mary, and sister Shirley (Bo) Sloman. He is survived by his devoted wife Ruth (Burns) Smuck; children Edith (Terry) Kettlewell of Bloomingdale and David (Fatima) Smuck of Follansbee; grandchildren Melissa (Mike) Williams of Wintersville, Erika (Richard) Carney of Hurricane, David Smuck, Jr. of Follansbee, and Erin Kettlewell of Bloomingdale; great grandchildren Michael Wood of Wintersville, Matthew Wood of Bloomingdale, Jonathon Wood of Wintersville, and Julia Carney of Hurricane; great great grandchild Kamryn Wood of Wintersville; siblings Archie (Delores) Smuck of Annapolis and Margaret (Dean) Barnhart of Mingo Junction.Friends may call at Dunlope-Shorac Funeral Home, Wintersville on Tuesday from 5 p.m. until the time of service at 8 p.m. with Rev. Bill Westling officiating.Donations in his memory can be made to Valley Hospice Center. Harold will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him, but his memory will live in their hearts forever.
09/03/2024
Cathy Clancey
Mrs. Smuck: I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Harold. He was a good guy, you two were like two peas in a pod. I will miss seeing him at the office. Cathy (Dr. Ferrera's)
09/03/2024
judi burns gaynor
My dear extended family,my love goes out to you at this time. Know if you need anything just call. Love and prayers to all,Judi lee
09/03/2024
Mark and Gina Judy and daughters
Dear Mr. Smuck; So sorry I had to miss the viewing tonight (your wife, in a way, would be glad to know I was helping Edison Local...) I was helping the EDISON H.S. musical stage-crew with their set from 5-9 PM. Again, we regret not being able to be there to offer condolences in person...know what it's like to lose a parent. Know that he is in a better place. Gina and Mark Judy, Kim and Stephanie
09/03/2024
Jo-Ellen Goodall
David, Fatima, and family, I am so sorry for your loss. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. May God Bless and Keep you always!
09/03/2024
Kim Smuck
Just wanted your family to know your in our prayers. We are all thinking of you and are sorry for your loss. God Bless You Kim, Courtney, Kayla and Matt
09/03/2024
Ginny Wilson
Pap Harold was such a great person. i just remember growing up with him and Grandma and times around the pool and vacations. He always with a smile on his face or playing the joker. My prayers are for you Grandma Ruth... 65 years together is truly an amazing gift from God. With Love, Ginny
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