David William Smiley (age 75)

[Pompeii]

David William Smiley passed away on January 5, 2022, at the age of 75, in Colorado Springs, CO. His struggles with serious medical issues recently showed his courage to face challenges with a smile and stay strong until the end, despite his ailments.

David was born (December 21, 1946) and raised in DuBois, PA. At age (18) David decided to join the Marine Corp and bravely served in the Vietnam War for the country he was proud of.

David met his wife Helene (Horvath) Smiley while attending a Halloween party in 1975. They fondly recall it as "a little bit of trick & a little bit of treat" that evolved into them taking vows on January 3, 1976, and living a full life together for 46 years.

David enjoyed football and was a dedicated lifelong Pittsburgh Steelers fan. He was also his grandson (Jaun A's) biggest baseball fan; he always supported all 11 of his grandchildrens' passions and endeavors.

David was an Operating Engineer Local 150 member (1977-2005). He was a heavy-equipment crane operator and worked at Fermilab and Argonne National Laboratory for many of those years.

David built and maintained a Pinewood Derby track in the 1980s that many Boy Scout troops enjoyed over many years and is still in use today. He took immense pride in his projects; many noticed and appreciated his efforts. Everyone wanted a go at Mr. Smiley's track as it was one of the finest around.

David's potato candy was renowned amongst family and close friends around the holidays for many, many years.

As his love and dedication to his family shine through, we will carry our memories in our hearts to share for years to come. He will be greatly missed and always in our thoughts. His "kid-at-heart" spirit will live on forever. We love you, Husband, Dad, Brother, Uncle, Grandpa, and Great Grandpa.

David is preceded in death by his father, Dorsey Ralph Smiley, Mother Alice Marie (Hoover) Smiley, and Sister Kathleen Gail (Smiley) Koppenhaver.

David is survived by his wife Helene Smiley, his Brothers Dennis (Rebecca) Smiley and Allan Smiley; his Children Derek (Beth) Smiley, Kristel (Jaun) Jansen Van Vuren, Joseph Exline, and Darlene (Mark) Kirk; Grandchildren Liam and Emma Smiley; Jordan, Jaun and Alexander Jansen Van Vuren; Jeffrey, Mackenzie, and Meagan Exline; Jacob and Joslyn Kirk; and Great Grandchild Auden Exline.

He leaves behind fond memories with his many nieces and nephews in Pennsylvania.

Friends will be received on Sunday, February 6, 2022 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Baronick Funeral Home & Crematorium, Inc.

A private funeral service will be held.  Full military honors will be accorded by the members of the DuBois Area Honor Guard.

Burial will be in Morningside Cemetery.

Online condolences can be made to http://baronickfuneralhome.com/obituaries

Florist information  can be found on our website.