Chester Stanley Smerdzinski
July 12, 1931 ~ June 30, 2014
Chester S. Smerdzinski
Lovingly known as "Chet" or "Smerge"
Born in Baltimore, MD on July 12, 1931
Departed on June 30, 2014 and resided in Vienna, VA
Chester S. Smerdzinski
(age 82)
Chester Stanley Smerdzinski passed away in his home on June 30, 2014. He was born in Baltimore, Maryland on July 12, 1931 to Stanislaus and Josefa Smerdzinski and grew up on Port Street. He met the love of his life, Mary Dolores Herdock, while a student at Holy Rosary Catholic School. He enlisted in the Air Force in 1949 and was assigned to McCord AFB Control Tower in Washington State. He married his Dolores "Dolly" on October 12, 1952 and began his career as a loving husband, father of five children and Air Traffic Controller with the Federal Aviation Administration. Chet enjoyed bowling, fishing, crabbing and the challenge of a great card game. Smerge retired from FAA after 25 years of dedicated service returning six years later to work at the Air Traffic Control System Command Center. In 1994, Chet fully retired to enjoy the many benefits of a large family, thirteen grandchildren and three great grandchildren. He was the devoted father of Chester S. Smerdzinski, Jr., Gary T. Smerdzinski, married to Karen A. Smerdzinski, Sandra S. Islin, married to Frank W. Islin, David A. Smerdzinski, married to Shannon L. Smerdzinski and Cynthia A. Parvin, married to Eric G. Parvin. Loving grandfather of Zachary B. Smerdzinski, married to Joanie M. Smerdzinski, Teresa J. Smerdzinski, married to Frederick G. Sandstrom, Stephanie S. Schauder, married to John P. Schauder, Rachel R. Sposa, married to Nicholas M. Sposa, Amy N. Smerdzinski, engaged to Steven A. Crider, Chase M. Smerdzinski, Chelsea E. Islin, Drew W. Smerdzinski, Jackson M.F. Islin, McKenzie V. Islin, Grant B. Islin , Alexandra G. Parvin and Jacob T. Parvin. He was overjoyed with the birth of three great grandchildren: Madison Cali Smerdzinski, Frederick William Sandstrom and John Stanley Schauder.
Chet and Dolores celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary on October 12th, 2013. Chet enjoyed a great game of golf, attending his family's sporting events, teasing his wife and a Chesapeake Bay crab cake.
Relatives and friends are invited to "Chet's" Life Celebration at Money and King Funeral Home, 171 W. Maple Ave., Vienna, VA on Monday, July 7 from 2-4 and 6-8 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church, 8601 Wolf Trap Rd., Vienna, VA on Tuesday, July 8 at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow at Fairfax Memorial Park. Chester Stanley Smerdzinski's family requests donations be made to Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church in Vienna, VA.
Funeral Home:
Money & King Funeral Home
171 W. Maple Ave.
Vienna, VA
US 22180
Lovingly known as "Chet" or "Smerge"
Born in Baltimore, MD on July 12, 1931
Departed on June 30, 2014 and resided in Vienna, VA
Chester S. Smerdzinski
(age 82)
Chester Stanley Smerdzinski passed away in his home on June 30, 2014. He was born in Baltimore, Maryland on July 12, 1931 to Stanislaus and Josefa Smerdzinski and grew up on Port Street. He met the love of his life, Mary Dolores Herdock, while a student at Holy Rosary Catholic School. He enlisted in the Air Force in 1949 and was assigned to McCord AFB Control Tower in Washington State. He married his Dolores "Dolly" on October 12, 1952 and began his career as a loving husband, father of five children and Air Traffic Controller with the Federal Aviation Administration. Chet enjoyed bowling, fishing, crabbing and the challenge of a great card game. Smerge retired from FAA after 25 years of dedicated service returning six years later to work at the Air Traffic Control System Command Center. In 1994, Chet fully retired to enjoy the many benefits of a large family, thirteen grandchildren and three great grandchildren. He was the devoted father of Chester S. Smerdzinski, Jr., Gary T. Smerdzinski, married to Karen A. Smerdzinski, Sandra S. Islin, married to Frank W. Islin, David A. Smerdzinski, married to Shannon L. Smerdzinski and Cynthia A. Parvin, married to Eric G. Parvin. Loving grandfather of Zachary B. Smerdzinski, married to Joanie M. Smerdzinski, Teresa J. Smerdzinski, married to Frederick G. Sandstrom, Stephanie S. Schauder, married to John P. Schauder, Rachel R. Sposa, married to Nicholas M. Sposa, Amy N. Smerdzinski, engaged to Steven A. Crider, Chase M. Smerdzinski, Chelsea E. Islin, Drew W. Smerdzinski, Jackson M.F. Islin, McKenzie V. Islin, Grant B. Islin , Alexandra G. Parvin and Jacob T. Parvin. He was overjoyed with the birth of three great grandchildren: Madison Cali Smerdzinski, Frederick William Sandstrom and John Stanley Schauder.
Chet and Dolores celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary on October 12th, 2013. Chet enjoyed a great game of golf, attending his family's sporting events, teasing his wife and a Chesapeake Bay crab cake.
Relatives and friends are invited to "Chet's" Life Celebration at Money and King Funeral Home, 171 W. Maple Ave., Vienna, VA on Monday, July 7 from 2-4 and 6-8 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church, 8601 Wolf Trap Rd., Vienna, VA on Tuesday, July 8 at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow at Fairfax Memorial Park. Chester Stanley Smerdzinski's family requests donations be made to Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church in Vienna, VA.
Funeral Home:
Money & King Funeral Home
171 W. Maple Ave.
Vienna, VA
US 22180
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Sorry for the loss! Bucknell Drive has lost a wonderful neighbor. I’ll never forget Mr. Smerge bringing crabs home and letting them free in the basement much to the delight of me and Cindy. He was a great father and wonderful assistant coach for our soccer team. Always in a good mood with something nice to say. He’ll be missed!
“Mr Smerge” as I came to know him, was a beautiful person. A kind hearted, warm man, a true gentleman. For the past 12 years that I have had the priviledge of knowing him and Mrs. Smerge (through our mutual close friend) I’ve always considered them an extension of family and my young children adored Mr Smerge. The Smerges are an example of what marraige should be. May Chet rest in peace, God bless him.
Will miss a generous quiet person. Always cheerful and welcoming. Prayers and masses will be celebrated. Rest in peace. Well done good and faithful servant. Enter into the kingdom prepared for you.
To Mrs. Smerge and family, what can I say about Mr. Smerge — my memories of him are full of his smile and his laugh. He loved life and his family was foremost on his mind. He was devoted to you all and it showed in all he did. My heart aches at his passing for you all and my prayers are with you as you find your way without him, yet knowing he is with God and now as God’s Angel looking over you all. Love to you all. Dottie
Our love and deepest sympathy go out to our dear Dolores/Mrs. Smerge and her loving family. May God grant the soul of His good and faithful servant, Chester Stanley, blessed repose in Heaven where there is no pain, sorrow nor mourning. Vichnaya Yemu Pamyat! (Eternal Memory!)
Dear Sandy and Family, We are very sorry to hear of the death of your father. May God bless you with strength and perseverance to get you through this most terrible time. With deepest condolences, Ava and Ray
Although we didn’t know Mr. Smerdzinski well, we know Gary, Sandy and the Islin family and it is clear that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Only a wonderful man could raise such outstanding children who are in turn raising remarkable families. All of his fine attributes will live on in his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. May you enjoy all the memories that are stored up in your hearts until you see your beloved dad again. With love, Debbie and Dave Martin and family
Dear Sandy and family, We are heartbroken for your loss. I am honored to have met your wonderful parents and more honored to know their wonderful daughter and grandchildren. Clearly your dad was a wonderful and loving family man who always set the finest example. What a good life he led and what a legacy he has left. Sending prayers and love.
Mr. Smerdzinski, you always had a smile and a wave when I saw you, and it always brightened my day. My prayers go to the family and loved ones. Look for my dad, he should know where the best seats are.
Our hearts go out to our good friend Cynthia and family for the loss of her Father. We are all thinking of you and your family in this time of loss. I know your Dad knows how much he was loved. Thinking of you. Love-The Billaks
I remember coming to the US from Japan and NOT knowing anyone but my family BUT you and your family were so generous and you all welcomed us into the neighborhood. I will miss you!
Mr and Mrs Smerd have been part of my village for over 35 years. When Gary married my sister, Karen, I have had the pleasure of sharing the family celebrations with Chet, Delores and the Family. It was wonderful to share the excitement of the birth if Teri, Steph and Amy. We loved sharing their family milestones, soccer, cheerleading, graduations, wedding and recently new members to our family. I have grown to love them because we shared a love for our family. Yet, what made Chet so special is that he loved my family too. He took interest in how we were doing. Always asking what was happening in our lives, giving encouragement and celebrating in our accomplishments. To the Smerdzinski family, love you all. You will always be part of our village. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Mark, Joan , Brian and Eric Vess
Lee and I our so sorry for your loss.Mr.Smerg was a wonderful man,he was a loving husband and father and a great friend to my parents.I have so many memories of the times we spent with you family.The two that will remain close to my heart is,Mr.Smerg’s smile and our first child Jason was born on your anniversary.Every year on Jason’s birthday I think of Mr.&Mrs Smerg.Your love was a great example to every one around you.Mr.Smerg will greatly be missed.God Bless your family with your fondest memories and keep them close to your hearts.Again there is not enough words to say what a great man he was.Our prayers and thoughts our with you and your family.We love you,Alyce Benson Fowlkes and the Fowlkes family.
Dear Dolores, I’m very sorry for your loss. I know you and your dear husband, Chester, through the eyes of your daughter, Cynthia. She describes both of you with so much love and admires you and your faith in God with no doubt that you, her and her father, Chester will be together one day in heaven. Dear Cynthia, My condolences on the passing of your loving father. You are an amazing and supportive daughter. God bless you and your entire family.
Many blessings and love shine from you to and through all of your many family. Thank you for your joy and humble love.
Smerge was my Supervisor at Washington ARTCC from 1960 through 1967 when I transferred to Miami ARTCC, then in 1973 to OKC and taught at the FAA Academy through 1976, then promoted to ATM at Minneapolis ARTCC, retiring in 1984. I have fond memories of my time at Washington ARTCC under Smerge guidance. I received this information from my good friend Larry Martin. My wife Irma died in 2008 after 50 years of marriage,5 children, and 6 grandchildren, I married again in 2010 and am enjoying a great retirement in the mountains of NC. My blessings and prayers are with you Delores and your family. God bless, Larry
Dear Sandy and Frank: We are sending our love and deepest condolences to the entire family on the loss of your dear father. Love, Sue and Dick Chema
Mr. Smerdzinski was one of the kindest, most cheerful people I have ever met. When we were next door neighbors, I dropped in on the Smerdzinskis often, and so far as I could tell, Mr. Smerge was always delighted to see me. (I was probably quite a nuisance!) He was always genuinely interested in everything I was doing, and encouraging and enthusiastic about anything I was planning. I have missed dropping in on the Smerdzinskis for many years now, and I am broken-hearted that I will never see him again. Mrs. Smerge, Chuck, Gary, Sandy, David, Cynthia, and all of your families, I am so sorry and like so many other people, will miss Mr. Smerge so much. He was very special to me.
Dear Mom Smerge, Since the day I was born, your loving husband, Mr. Smerdzinski has been a part of my life. As I grew older and got closer to him, he became Mr. Dad Smerge. I have enough memories to right a novel. Whenever I would visit, I knew I’d be greeted at the door with a smile and a hug. And, by the time I made it to the TV room, I’d hear “What can I get you to drink.” I spent many hours with Mr. Smerge talking about sports, mostly baseball (the Orioles and the Red Sox), and golf (he taught me everything about the game). Wed also talk about family, the FAA, life, and other topics. He had a great sense of humor and we laughed a lot. You, he and my parents showed me what true friendship is. Mr. Smerge has a special place in my heart — right next to my mom. Mr. Dad Smerge enjoyed life and showed others how to do it. Heaven is a lot brighter now that Mr. Smerge has arrived. To Chuck, Gary, Sandy, David, and Cynthia, “I thank you for sharing your dad with me.” Love
A really nice account of”Chet’S” life and career.Sounds alot like my own and some of his other friends, re: Air Force, FAA Controller, called back to the FAA Command Center,re-retired to spend time with Family, enjoyed golf, fishing, cards games and one other thing left out, softball. We both played on softball teams together and opposed to each other and had many enjoyable games and gatherings together.”Smerge” had many good friends and co-workers and will be sadly missed by all. May the”LORD” be with you, Chet and one of these day we will all be together again…