Jesse E. Smitley

Jesse E. Smitley, age 66, of New Philadelphia, died peacefully, surrounded by his family, following a two month illness, while in the care of Community Hospice House.

A son of Harriet “Momma” Smitley-Kuhn of Dover and the late David J. Smitley, Jesse was born in Union Hospital at Dover on April 5, 1949.

Following his graduation from New Philadelphia High School in 1967, Jesse joined the United States Army and honorably served his country as Paratrooper in the Vietnam Conflict from 1969-1971. Jesse worked in heavy truck sales in Northeast Ohio for many years prior to returning to the Tuscarawas Valley. Previously, he had been employed by McKnight Trucks and returned in 1994 as a heavy truck salesman. In 1998, McKnight transitioned the firm to Allstate and Jesse remained on as a part of the sales team. In 2002, he was named General Manager for Allstate Peterbilt Group at New Philadelphia; and remained in that position until his passing.

All who knew Jesse were well aware of his unique style in clothing, and his ability to match every outfit from the top of his head to the bottom of his feet. His identifiable flair made him easy to spot on the golf course at Union Country Club where he often showed up in custom Loudmouth Golf apparel, complete with matching golf shoes. Jesse’s love for golf was great but being able to make a statement with his bold style and outfits fit his personality to a “Tee”. He was a likeable individual who could converse with anyone and loved sharing stories with others.

Jesse was also an adventurer who never got the thrill of being a paratrooper out of his system. On numerous occasions throughout his life he enjoyed skydiving trips; and even managed to get members of his family to join him. Jesse held memberships with the Shriners and Aladdin Shriners both of Columbus, Scottish Rite of Canton, Dover Lodge #59 of the F& A.M., The American Legion and was a life member of the DAV and the Carl C. Stoller Post 1445 of the New Philadelphia VFW.

In addition to his mother, Jesse is survived by his wife of 16 years, the former Deborah K. Wood whom he married on March 6, 1999; a sister, Wendy (Bill) Collinsworth of Elida, Ohio; two sisters-in-law, Sheila Smitley of Dover and Pam (Brian) Marsh; two brothers-in-law, Michael Wood and Greg Wood all of New Philadelphia; his nieces and nephews, Tressa (Tim O’Dell) Gatchel, Jessica (Kenny) Howell, Alicia (Jerry) Thompson, Larry D. Smitley, Jr., Cory Wood and Nathan Chitti as well as numerous great-nieces and nephews.

Completing his family are “The Smitley Pack”, his four legged children, Annie, Libby, Pumpkin, Chloe, Olivia, Maggie, and Kira, who will miss him deeply.

In addition to his father, Jesse was preceded in death by his brother, Larry Smitley; his father-in-law, Richard Wood; and his mother-in-law, JoEllen Scott.

A celebration of Jesse’s life will be held during a memorial visitation on Friday, October 9, 2015 from 1:00 – 3:00 PM and 6:00 – 8:00 PM. in the Geib Funeral Center at Dover. Military honors by the New Philadelphia VFW will begin at 12:45 PM and a Masonic service will be conducted at 5:45 PM on Friday.

Memorial contributions in memory of Jesse may be directed to Community Hospice, 716 Commercial Avenue SW, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663, Save a Mom Rescue, 1271 Downing Street SW, East Sparta, Ohio 44626 or to the Tuscarawas County Humane Society, 1432 Tall Timber Rd NE, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.