Samuel ‘Sam’ Smichnick – North Belle Vernon

NORTH BELLE VERNON Samuel “Sam” Smichnick, a proud U.S. Navy veteran of the Vietnam era, passed away peacefully in his home on May 23, 2025, sur rounded by his loving f a m i l y. Born in North Charleroi in 1946, Sam graduated from Bellmar High School in North Belle Vernon in 1964. Shortly after, he answered the call to serve his country and enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served as a dental technician, with a duty station in Millington, Tenn. Sam was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. For 55 years, he treasured and devoted his life to his wife, Paula Witmyer Smichnick. Together, they built a life rooted in love, faith, family and friends. Their daughters and their families survive him: Suzanne and Eric Russell of Boca Raton, Fla., and Jessica and Paul Glace, currently residing in Frankfurt, Germany. He was a proud grandfather to Samantha and Heidi Russell and Elizabeth and Cameron Glace. He is also survived by his beloved grand-dog, Maple. Sam was a loving brother to Linda Sue and his deceased brother, Jimmy, his sister-in-law and his brother-in-law Jane and Chuck Forsythe. He is close with many cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. During his working years, he worked as a journeyman millwright with U.S. Steel in McKeesport. He retired from working as an HVAC technician at Hershey Medical Center in Harrisburg, Pa. Sam was an active and faithful member of First Christian Church of Belle Vernon, where he served over the years as an elder, deacon, treasurer and financial secretary. He was also a dedicated member of American Legion Post 659 in Belle Vernon. In his role as vice commander, he provided support to fellow veterans and often had the honor of presenting the flag to families of fallen servicemen and women. In his leisure time, he enjoyed showing and driving his classic 1996 Camaro. He always took pride in his vehicles. When Sam was not enjoying gardening and his cars, he loved traveling abroad and around the United States. He enjoyed traveling to the United Kingdom, Germany, Poland, France and Japan. He enjoyed traveling to national parks in the United States, often visiting family and friends along the way. When he was at home, he enjoyed following sporting events at Belle Vernon High School, including football, softball and basketball. Sam’s legacy is one of service, devotion, and strength. His kindness, integrity