Ambrose J Smerkar Jr.

 

Born May 8, 1936 he was the son of Ambrose J. and Josephine Messina Smerkar.

 

He attended St. Michael School. He served in the US Army from 1954 to 1957. He served as a tank operator and for his service he received the Good Conduct Metal, National Defense Service Metal, and the OCC Metal. 

 

Mr. Smerkar was married on October 24, 1959 to the former Barbara Lauer who survives.

 

He was a member of St. Michael Church in Fryburg.

 

Mr. Smerkar was a truck driver with the Teamsters for 30 years driving for R&H Trucking and Preston Trucking. He was also an owner operator for several years. In his retirement years he enjoyed working for Hargenrader Brother Farms and Crest Equipment. 

 

Mr. Smerkar was an avid outdoorsman which included hunting, fishing, helping on the farm, gardening and taking care of his flowers and yard. He was a Steelers fan and enjoyed watching his grandchildren participating in many sporting events. During the winter months he and his wife of 51 years traveled to Arizona to spend time with family which included his daughter, her family and his sister. He was always there to help when anyone needed him. 

 

Mr. Smerkar is survived by his wife and five children: Chris Smerkar and his wife Jonette of Shippenville; Cindy Kirin and her husband Rick of Oro Valley, AZ; Mark Smerkar and his wife Rhonda of Greenville; Scott Smerkar and his wife Jodi of Cranberry; and Jennifer Grooms and husband Ronnie of Lucinda. Grandchildren surviving include: Nick, Nate, Hannah, Lauren, Ryan, Taylor, Joshua, Justen, Andy, Alex, and Jessica. Also surviving are siblings: Ann McDaniels and husband Bill; Clara Carbaugh; Helen Anderson and husband Sheridan; Agnes Reisinger and husband Eugene ; John Smerkar and wife Connie; and LeRoy Smerkar and wife Helen.

 

Mr. Smerkar was preceded in death by his parents and his daughter Cathy.

 

Friends will be received from 2 to 4 PM and 7 to 9 PM on Monday, April 25, 2011 at Faller Funeral Home, Inc in Fryburg. Parish vigil service will be held at 3:45 PM in the funeral home.

 

Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, April 26, 2011 in St. Michael Church Fryburg with the Rev. Chris M. Hamlett pastor of St. Michael Church in Fryburg as the celebrant.

 

Burial will follow in St. Michael Cemetery.

 

The family suggests memorials be made to a charity of ones choice.

 

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.fallerfuneralhome.com.