Larry David Smitley

Larry David Smitley, age 61 of Dover, died peacefully Tuesday, July 23, 2013 surrounded by his loving family while in the care of Community Hospice House following a courageous battle with cancer.

A son of Harriet “Momma” Smitley-Kuhn of Dover and the late David J. Smitley, Larry was born at Union Hospital at Dover on January 5, 1952; and was a 1970 graduate of New Philadelphia High School.

For 35 years, Larry worked as a welder and never thought of his work as a job but as a passion. For many years, he worked out of the Union Hall of Boilermakers Local 744 at Cleveland and ultimately retired from National Boiler Works, Inc. also of Cleveland where he was employed as a foreman, supervisor and master welder.

When not working, Larry appreciated the opportunity to spend time out of doors. He was an avid game hunter and fisherman who enjoyed numerous hunting trips locally and throughout Canada as well as fishing on Lake Erie. He was a member of First Christian Church at Dover and a member of the B & A Primitive Weapons Club located outside of Roswell.

Above all, Larry was a family man who never hesitated to lend a helping hand when called upon by his children and deeply loved spending time with his grandchildren.

In addition to his mother, he will be greatly missed by his wife of nearly 36 years, the former Sheila Eichel whom he married on August 6, 1977, their three children, Jessica (Kenny) Howell of Cadiz, Alicia “Lolli” (Jerry) Thompson and Larry D. Smitley, Jr. all of Dover and three grandchildren, Sabrina, Wesley, and Wyatt Thompson.

A brother, Jesse (Deb) Smitley of New Philadelphia; a sister, Wendy (Bill) Collinsworth of Elida, Ohio; his father and mother-in law, Carl “Bud” and Gwen Eichel of Dover as well as numerous brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews complete the family.

The family will greet guests on Sunday, July 28, 2013 from 2:00 – 5:00 PM in the Geib Funeral Center at Dover. Pastors Chris Mulpas, Brian Flood and Max Canfield will lead a celebration of Larry’s life on Monday, July 29, 2013 at 10:30 AM in the Dover Funeral Center. Immediately following the service, all are invited to share a meal and fellowship with the family in the Funeral Center’s Hospitality Room.

The family requests memorial contributions in Larry’s name be directed to Dover First Christian Church 3029 North Wooster Avenue, Dover, OH 44622 or to Community Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 716 Commercial Avenue SW, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.

Those wishing to do so may send the family a personal condolence and light a candle in remembrance of Larry by visiting the funeral home’s website at www.GeibCares.com.