Donald J. Smytka's Obituary
Donald J. Smytka of Mount Dora, FL passed away on Thursday, October 17, 2019 at the age of 85 years. He was born in Detroit, MI to Michael and Lillian Smytka. Don proudly served his country in the U.S. Army from 1957-59. He earned his Undergraduate and Master’s degrees at the University of Detroit. Don worked as a Senior Executive in Industrial and Human Relations Management. He retired in 1999 and moved to Mount Dora from Memphis, TN. He loved to teach and was an Adjunct Professor at the University of San Francisco, Case Western Reserve University and Christian Brothers University. He also enjoyed a good debate. In addition, he loved to travel in his RV. Don was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Mount Dora. He was preceded in death by his wife, Susan Elaine Smytka in June 2001 and his siblings, Virginia Posby, Raymond Smytka and Teresa Leighton. Don is survived and will be dearly missed by his significant other of 17 years, Betty Jones of Mount Dora; daughter, Mary (Andy) Vineyard of Laguna Hills, CA; son, Dan (Susan) Smytka of Atlanta, GA; grandchildren, Eva Vineyard, Samantha Vineyard, Julia Vineyard, Heidi Vineyard, Billy Vineyard and Alex Vineyard, Jacob (Teresa) Smytka, Jennifer (Sean) Paquette and Benjamin Smytka; as well as 3 great grandchildren. Family and friends are invited to gather on Sunday, Oct. 20 from 2:00-4:00 PM. Mass will start at 9:00 am on Monday at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Mount Dora. In lieu of flowers, the family graciously requests donations to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516 - www.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate Condolences, memories and photos may be shared at www.HamlinHilbish.com
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