Richard J. Smeltzer

Richard Joseph Smeltzer

Richard Joseph Smeltzer, age 91 passed away on Sunday February 11, 2018. He was born January 31, 1927 to the late Mary (Metzger) and John Ambrose Smeltzer.

Affectionately known as “Dickie” or “Grandee,” Richard was an active member of St. Rose Catholic Church. He was a veteran of World War II having served with the Army Engineers in the European Theater. He was a life member of American Legion Post 188, member of Four and Eight Perry County #68, life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2806, life member of B.P.O.E. 509, life member of Knights of Columbus Council 1065 and a fourth degree member of the Bishop Fenton Assembly.

He is survived by his three children, Richard (Mary) Smeltzer II, Theresa (Paul) Hauck, and Amy (Ron) Collins; six grandchildren, Stephanie (Scott) Poxon, Charity (Allen) Potter, Kelly (David) Manning, Dawn Mellos, Kevin (Felicia) Hauck and Ronnie Collins; eight great grandchildren, Davey (Tia) Manning, Audrey Manning, Grace Potter, Sullivan Potter, Nicholas Poxon, Ethan Hauck, Conor Hauck and Caroline Guinan. He is also survived by a sister, Pauline Richards.

Besides his parents, Richard was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years Sylvia “Tillie” Smeltzer, six brothers and two sisters.

Calling hours will be Friday 3 to 7 pm with Knights of Columbus Honor Guard, New Lexington American Legion Post 188 services to be conducted at 7 pm, Elks Services to follow. Additional calling hours Saturday 11 am to 12:45 pm at the Chute-Wiley Funeral Home, 118 S. Jackson St., New Lexington, Oh 43764. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday at 1 pm at St. Rose Catholic Church, corner of Main and Water Streets, New Lexington, Oh. Burial will follow in New Lexington Cemetery with military honors also conducted by Post 188.
www.chutewileycom

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Richard J. Smeltzer, please visit our floral store.