Obituary of John H. Szmak

John Henry Szmak,88, of Chester passed away on January 13, 2019 at Morristown Medical Center surrounded by his family. John was born May 19, 1930 in Bloomfield, NJ to the late Eugene and Stephanie Szmak. He lived most of his life in Bloomfield and Glen Ridge, NJ before moving to Chester in 1998. He was a parishioner of St. Lawrence RC Church in Chester. John was a painter by trade, taking incredible pride in his craft, which is a trait now mirrored by family and loved ones that attentively watched and admired his fervent work ethic over the years. Cape May served as John's sanctuary, where he relished every waking moment of bringing his family closer together amidst the gentle backdrop of the beach town's beauty and serenity. He taught everyone around him the importance of seeing the best in people and caring for family, which will undoubtedly remain the priority for generations to come thanks to his guidance. John had a tremendous fondness for the beach, the ocean, gardening, and had a taste for sweet and salty snacks. John's dedication as a husband shined brightly every day, always placing emphasis on the love and care of his wife above all else. His true passion in life was his family, especially his beautiful wife, devoted children, and cherished grandchildren, all of whom love and adore him.

John is survived by his wife of 67 years, Florence (Lynch) Szmak; three children, Steven Szmak, Susan Miller and husband Mark, and Janice Mulvihill and her husband Craig; eight grandchildren; and by many other loving family members and friends.

John's Life Celebration will include a visitation on Thursday January 17, 2019 from 3PM – 7PM at the William J. Leber Funeral Home (908) 879-3090, 15 Furnace Rd. (corner of Rt. 206) Chester, NJ 07930. A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday January 18, 2019 at 11AM at St. Lawrence RC Church in Chester. Interment will follow at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Chester.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Chester First Aid Squad, PO Box 337, Chester, NJ 07930.