Richard W. Smitley

August 12, 1943 - January 25, 2024

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visitation

Soller-Baker Funeral Homes & Crematory, West Lafayette Chapel

1184 Sagamore Pkwy W.

West Lafayette, IN 47906

Friday 2/2, 10:00 am - 11:00 am

service

Soller-Baker Funeral Homes & Crematory, West Lafayette Chapel

1184 Sagamore Pkwy W.

West Lafayette, IN 47906

Friday 2/2, 11:00 am

Richard “Dick” W. Smitley, 80, of West Lafayette, passed away on Thursday, January 25, 2024, at his home.

He was born August 12, 1943, in Columbus, OH, to the late Charles and Isabelle (Shadwill) Smitley.

On June 3, 1978, married Helen Jonah in Columbus Ohio and she survives.

Dick worked for the Dedham School System in Dedham, MA for 25 years and retired in 2012. In 2014, Dick and Helen moved into the StoneBridge Community in West Lafayette where they have enjoyed the friendship of many neighbors.

He was a member of Charlestown Militia, Dedham High School Band Assocation and Community Running Club. He ran the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge to raise funds for cancer research. He biked the Pan Mass Challenge for the same reason. He and Helen were captains managing the 9-mile water stop at the Boston Marathon for several years. He and Helen also ran several marathons in various states. Dick was a volunteer at the Indiana Veterans Home in West Lafayette and a member of the First United Methodist Church in West Lafayette

Dick loved his family, his community and his country. He put a smile on everyone’s face. He was an avid sports fan. He especially enjoyed working on the fields at Kim and Denton’s farm.

Surviving along with his wife is his daughter Kimberly A. (Denton) Sederquist of West Lafayette, his step-mother in-law Carol Smitley, his cousin Deanna Wolfe, and several nieces and nephews.

Richard was preceded in death by his brother Charles Smitley.

Visitation will be from 10:00 AM until the time of the memorial services at 11:00 AM on Friday, February 2, 2024, at Soller-Baker West Lafayette Chapel, 1184 Sagamore Parkway West, West Lafayette.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Indiana Veterans Home in Dick’s memory.

Soller-Baker Funeral Homes, Inc.

Lisa and Najo

Alice Apjohn and the Apjohn Family

Ken Smitley

Nicki Gunter

Maria Antonuccio

Deanna Wolfe

Ella Bajaj

Mary Gough

Carolyn

The Kane-Harrell

Danielle Buchanan

Soller-Baker Funeral Homes & Crematory, West Lafayette Chapel

1184 Sagamore Pkwy W.

West Lafayette, IN 47906

Map

Friday 2/2, 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Send Flowers & Gifts

Soller-Baker Funeral Homes & Crematory, West Lafayette Chapel

1184 Sagamore Pkwy W.

West Lafayette, IN 47906

Map

Friday 2/2, 11:00 am

Send Flowers & Gifts

Richard “Dick” W. Smitley, 80, of West Lafayette, passed away on Thursday, January 25, 2024, at his home. He was born August 12, 1943, in Columbus, OH, to the late Charles and Isabelle (Shadwill) Smitley. On June 3, 1978, married Helen Jonah in Columbus Ohio and she survives. Dick worked for the Dedham School SystemContinue Reading

See Condolences

My condolences Helen. Lots of good memories from band association days.

Helen and Kim that was a beautiful celebration of life. I'm so sorry for your loss. We will never forget Halloween of 80s with the pig mask.

Helen and Kim, Your speaking this morning during the service was wonderful. Our thoughts will be with you in the coming days.

In memory of Richard W. Smitley, Alice Apjohn and the Apjohn Family lit a candle

We need more people like Dick in the world. He was such a good person and is greatly missed. Our condolences go out to you and your family.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

My prayers go out to family and friends of Dick.

My deepest condolences. I worked with Dick at Dedham High School for so many years. He took great pride in his job and had a tremendous relationship with students and staff. You will be missed.

May my friend rest in peace. One of kind. A true gentleman who was always there as a friend when you needed him. The best.....

In memory of Richard W. Smitley, Nicki Gunter lit a candle

A giant of a man in many respects. He will be missed by many.

My deepest condolences Helen and Kim and your family. Dick brought joy to all he encountered. All the years in Dedham 🙏 we were blessed to have him.

Thoughts and Prayers Kim and Denton

You will be greatly missed. Love you as a brother and remember all the good times we had.

Dick was a wonderful friend to so many. He sometimes tried to keep it a secret under a gruff exterior, but he had a heart of gold and would do anything to help. He helped so many residents at the Veterans' Home when he was a volunteer. Rest in peace Dick.

Helen. Jerry and I send our condolences on the loss of Dick. We remember working with the both of you volunteering at mile 9 at the Boston Marathon. So much fun. He was a taskmaster but such a great guy. Please extend our condolences to the rest of your family. Love, Jerry and Robin Rocha.

In memory of Richard W. Smitley, Ella Bajaj lit a candle

Helen and Kim, Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the demise of your beloved husband and father respectively. He is fondly remembered by me, specially since he took me to my first Red Sox game and got me pink cotton candy! What a dear man! May he rest in peace! Amen!

Helen & Kim, I am saddened to hear of Dick’s passing. I’m not sure if you remember me, I went to High School with your brother Chuckie. I met Dick in the early 80’s @ Dedham Village and spent time with drinking coffee and chatting y’all at your apartment in Oakdale on Cedar Street if my memory serves me correctly? I’m very blessed to hear about all of your adventures together over the years, God is good. You and your family are in our prayers here in Massachusetts.♥️✝️♥️ God Bless, Tom Leahy

In memory of Richard W. Smitley, Mary Gough lit a candle

In memory of Richard W. Smitley, Carolyn lit a candle

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

I remember Dick carrying the Olympic Torch so very well he was so proud and we were so very proud of him. Mom and I were parked in a Walgreens parking lot in Cambridge on edge of a hill freezing cold and snow off and on with a ton of snow on the ground. Big crowd and here he came hollering out ‘ hi ma’. She was thrilled to no end. “He saw me “ Not only was he honored and proud of this wonderful experience but he brought that to each of our hearts. This is only one of the many times that Dick touched so many from his heart and pride. God blessed us Dick. May he hold you near with his praise Love you Dick. God bless you Helen and Kim

Helen & Kim, I am so sorry for your loss! I have so many fond memories of Dick when we were neighbors on Dale Street…😌 He was always so good about letting me cut his hair! (lol) & he always made me laugh when he called my Nick “snickelfritz” when he was little! ☺️ May he Rest in the Sweetest Peace. 🙏🏻

Helen I’m so sorry for your loss. Dick was a great person . I alway remember when Dick got everyone together for the tree lighting in Dedham square for the little angels .,every time I drive by the tree I think of him and the big heart that he had . I’m so sorry Rich Dello

DIck was the kindest, most generous person I have ever known. I am so sorry to hear this. He worked for me for a few years before he moved, never a dull moment! I remember helping him pack up the truck when he moved to Indiana. So many good memories! He will be greatly missed! Rest easy my friend! xoxo

In memory of Richard W. Smitley, The Kane-Harrell lit a candle

Dick was such a wonderful person. He and my husband, Clyde, shared so many times together. We used to go square dancing when we were younger at the union hall and had such a crazy time. He will truly be missed by all who knew him.

Dick was such a kind man. He will be dearly missed.

Helen,Kim & Denton, You have my deepest sympathy. My only regret is that his dad and I lived so far away from him and Helen that we were't able to visit as much as we would have liked. Carol

So going to miss his wit. Liked just sitting and having conversation . Love You

My deepest sympathy and condolences to Kim and Denton. Prayers for strength and comfort during this difficult time! Share your cherished memories.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.