John E. Smarto, 87, of Galion, died Saturday, January 13, 2018 at Mill Creek Nursing Home, Galion, after a lengthy illness.
John was born in Crestline, on May 28, 1930 to the late Nicholas and Catherine (Mascaro) Smarto. He married Rosemary D. (Schill) Smarto on June 24, 1950 and she survives him.
John was employed by Ohio Edison for thirty-three years, retiring in 1990. John was a graduate of Crestline High School Class of 1948. He was a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church, Crestline. He was the founder and director of the St. Joseph Men’s Choir. John was a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Crestline Athletic Boosters, and served twelve years on the Crestline Board of Education. John loved classical music and enjoyed woodworking and making wooden furniture.
In addition to his wife he is survived by: his son, John “Jack” (Darlene) Smarto, Medina, his daughter, Jane (Doug) Potts, Lexington, his grandchildren, Nicholas Smarto, Pittsburgh, PA, Lindsay and Danny Tomovski, Washington, MI, and Nathan Carr, Lakewood, his brothers and sisters, Donna Bender, Akron, Robert “Butch” (Joan) Smarto, Newtown, PA, Rita Navin, St. Louis, MO, and Dorothy Fry, Crestline.
He was preceded in death by his brothers and sisters: Francis Smarto, Mary Baylor, Bernice Gwirtz, Charles Smarto, Vincent Smarto and “Tootsie” Catherine Smarto.
Friends may call from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Tuesday, January 16, 2018 at the Schneider-Gompf Funeral Home, 223 West Main St., Crestline, where a Vigil Service will be held at 8:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Crestline on Wednesday, January 17, 2018 at 10:30 AM with Rev. Christopher Bohnsack, Celebrant. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Crestline.
The family of John E. Smarto would like to thank the staff of Mill Creek Nursing Home for their excellent care.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Catholic School, Crestline in care of the funeral home.
Online condolences may be made to the family at masfh.com.