Jerry Smitley

Jerry Smitley, age 64, of New Philadelphia, died Sunday, June 1, 2008, in Schoenbrunn Health Care Center at New Philadelphia following a courageous battle with cancer.Born on April 1, 1944, in Union Hospital at Dover, Jerry was a son of the late George and Bessie Horner Smitley. He was a 1962 graduate of New Philadelphia High School and on July 3, 1965, Jerry married the former Karen Abel. Together the couple celebrated more than 40 years of marriage.Jerry was also a veteran of the United States Army, serving his country as a communications specialist while stationed in Aschaffenburg, Germany.He was a skilled tradesman who was employed by the former Hercules Engine Company at Canton for more than 25 years prior it’s closing. He obtained his Journeyman’s Card as a skilled machinist and for the past number of years has been employed as a precision machinist for Uhrichsville Carbide, Inc. at Uhrichsville.Jerry was a true family man at heart. He was always supportive of his two children in their endeavors and instilled a strong work ethic in both of them. He worked very hard as they were growing up to see that they were cared for in every way possible. Aside from his family, Jerry had two additional passions in life. Roscoe, Jerry’s hyper but lovable basset hound that never left his side; the two were inseparable. His second love was sports, while Jerry was not personally athletic, he would do anything to snag the television first so that he could watch his favorite Cleveland teams play a game of ball.Additionally, Jerry loved his granddaughter, Kaitlyn. He truly enjoyed her company and loved to take her for ice cream, and walks.Jerry is survived by his wife, Karen Smitley of New Philadelphia; two children; son, Eric Smitley and daughter, Phyllis Smitley both of New Philadelphia; granddaughter, Kaitlyn Noviski of New Philadelphia; two brothers, John Smitley of Dover and George (Shirley) Smitley of Bolivar.A niece, Linda Smitley, two great-nieces and one great-nephew complete the family.In addition to his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by a niece, Trisha Pope.In keeping with Jerry’s wishes, he will be cremated through the care of the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. The family will hold private services at a later date.Those wishing to send the family personal condolences are invited to sign the online guest registry located on the funeral home’s website.At the family’s request memorial contributions in Jerry’s name can be made to Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 201 West Third Street, Dover, Ohio 44622.