Stanley "Stosh" Smigel Jr.'s Obituary
Stanley “Stosh” Smigel, 94 years old, of Lorain, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at Ames Family Hospice House in Westlake, Ohio. He was born on September 4, 1931, in Lorain, Ohio to the late Stanley and Mary (née Kuzniar) Smigel, Sr. A lifelong resident of Lorain, Stosh lived a life defined by quiet strength and steadfast service to his community.
A proud graduate of Lorain High School, Stosh answered the call to serve his country in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. As a Staff Sergeant and radio operator aboard the B-29 bomber Command Decision, he played a vital role in missions that demanded courage, precision, and trust. His service earned him the Korean Service Medal, Air Medals, and the United Nations Ribbon, a reflection not only of his bravery, but of his commitment to something greater than himself. The aircraft he once served aboard now rests in honor at the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton.
At home, Stosh continued a life of service as a firefighter for the City of Lorain, dedicating 30 years before retiring in 1985. He was the kind of man who showed up whether in moments of crisis or in the quiet, everyday ways that define a life well lived. He was a faithful member of St. Peter’s Catholic Parish, the Lorain Polish Club, and AMVETS.
Beyond his accomplishments, Stosh will be remembered most for the life he built around others. He found joy in the simple pleasures of weekly poker games filled with laughter, rounds of golf, trips to Las Vegas, and the competitive spirit of fast-pitch softball. However, his greatest pride was found in the stands and sidelines, cheering on his grandchildren and great-grandchildren in their sporting ventures.
Stosh is survived by his beloved children, Thomas (Roberta) Smigel of Beavercreek, Sharon (Michael) Mirando of Cocoa Beach, Florida, Butch (Beverly) Smigel of North Royalton, Michael (Monica) Smigel of Avon, and John Smigel of Virginia Beach; 14 treasured grandchildren; 22 cherished great-grandchildren; and his dear sister, Pat (Walter-deceased) Kruszewski of Lorain. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Rita (née Harrell) in 1997; his son, Skip Smigel in 1995; his granddaughter, Michaella Mirando in 1985; and his sister, Delores Bring.
The family will receive friends on Monday, April 27, 2026, from 4–7 PM at Dovin & Reber Jones Funeral and Cremation Center, 1110 Cooper Foster Park Road, Amherst, Ohio 44001. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at 11:00 AM at St. Peter Parish, 3655 Oberlin Avenue, Lorain, OH 44053 with interment to follow at Ridge Hill Memorial Park in Amherst, Ohio.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made online to Hospice of the Western Reserve at https://reserve-care.org/ or the Muscular Dystrophy Association at https://giving.mda.org. Online condolences and memories may be left on Stosh’s memorial page at https://dovinreberjones.com
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