Paul Smatlak

Smatlak, Paul, 91, Richland. Went to be with his Lord and Savior on June 8, 2014.  He was born on February 4, 1923 in Johnstown. Paul was married for 66 years to Sophie (Rusnak) Smatlak. He was the father of: Rebecca Prough, Johnstown; Dr. Paul Timothy (Karen) Smatlak, Glen Campbell, PA.; John (Elizabeth) Smatlak, Midlothian, VA.; Marlene (Rev. Tim) Miller, Marion, OH; and Pamela (Rev. Steve) Motter, Mt. Union, PA.  He was blessed with 13 grandchildren and doubly blessed with 11 great grandchildren. His grandchildren are Marcy, Jaime, Jessica, Monica, Karissa, Marc, Marissa, Jennifer, Lisa, Kristin, Emily, Jason and Holly.  The little double blessings are Jimmy, Cristina, Nicolas, John, Grant, Bronwyn, Emma, Ava, Charlotte, Lincoln, and Bailey. Paul’s faith in God was very strong. He played hymns on his trombone and sang in the men’s quartet, in English and in Slovak at the University Park Church of God, which began in his boyhood home and is now in Richland Township.  A veteran of World War II, he served in the U.S. Army 817th Tank Destroyer Battalion in the European Theater, and was awarded a Bronze Star for meritorious achievement. While under constant enemy shelling in the Hurtgen Forest, Germany he administered first aid and evacuated several wounded men. In the Battle of the Bulge he received wounds in combat action against hostile enemy forces and was later presented with a Purple Heart. Paul had a wonderful memory for numbers… birthdates, anniversaries and phone numbers. He was employed by Bethlehem Steel for 42 years in the Railcar Division, where he committed to memory all the long numbers for railcar parts. Paul was the son of the late John and Anna (Payerchin) Smatlak. He was also preceded in death by 3 brothers, John, Eddie and Mike Smatlak; and 3 sisters, Betty Smatlak, Ann Cole and Margaret Sipka. Brother of: Mary Durica, Anderson, Ind.; Joe Smatlak (Betty), Punxsutawney, Pa.; Dorothy Saltsman (Floyd), Southington, Oh.; Millie Sholtis, Torrington, Conn.; Ken Smatlak, British Columbia, Canada; and Ruth Walton (Mark), Sherwood, Ore. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 pm and 6 to 8 PM Tuesday at Harris Funeral Home, 500 Cherry Lane, Richland and from 9 to 10 AM time of service Wednesday at the University Park Church of God on Elton Road, with Rev. Tim Coppess,  officiating. Interment at Grandview Cemetery with military rites by Menoher Post #155 VFW ritual team. Family suggests memorial contributions  be made to the University Park Church of God, 4070 Elton Road, Johnstown, PA 15904 or to Windber Hospice, 600 Somerset Ave., Windber, PA 15963. (Online condolences may be posted to www.wharrisfuneralhome.com)