Paul L. Smith

Paul L. Smith, 90, of Kent, died Sunday, November 20, 2011 at his home.

He was born November 8, 1921 in Kent, to Paul and Mary F. (Klinco) Smith. Paul was a veteran of the Navy during the World War II. He was aboard the Hugh L. Scott which was torpedoed on its way to Africa. Paul lost many of his friends as did so many others. Paul worked as a carpenter for the City of Kent retiring in 1987.

He is now reunited with his beloved wife, Thelma (Montoni) to whom he was married for 38 years. He has loved her and missed her companionship for 25 years. He is also preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Bob Smith.

He was the most loving father to his daughters, Cindy (Jon) Waller and Sally (Larry) Holzer both of Kent and his son, Jeff (Terri) Smith of Kent. He was blessed with six grandchildren, Dana Smith, J.P. Smith, Cynthia (Nate) Zappola, Trisha Holzer, Courtney (Keith) Dawkins and Christa (Matt) Weiss; and four great grandchildren, Nathan and Mia Zappola, Rhea Ross, Sophia Weiss, who loved him not only as a grandfather, but as a friend. He is also survived by his loving sisters Dorothy (Mike) Sepi of Kent and Tootie (Richard) Helmling of Ravenna; and loving brother, Bill Smith of Brimfield; and many loving nieces, nephews and family members.

The children would like to thank all of the family members and friends for the loving and thoughtful kindness throughout their father's illness. They would also like to thank the nurses, the aides especially Jen (Genevieve), Chaplain Mike and everyone else from Hospice of Summa for their caring and devoted help.

Funeral mass will be held 10:00 AM Saturday, November 26th at St. Patrick Church in Kent. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Disabled American Veterans, 6285 Pearl Rd # 7, Cleveland, OH 44130-3069 or the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 6931 Arlington Road, Bethesda, MD 20814. Bissler & Sons Funeral Home and Crematory are handling the arrangements.