In Memory
The Reverend Michael B. Smith, 77, priest of the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland, Pastor Emeritus of Immaculate Conception of Mary Parish, Akron, died Thursday, 18 July 2024 with the prayerful consolation of The Sacraments.
Michael Brien Smith was born in Cleveland, Ohio. He was educated at St. Ann Parish School, Cleveland Heights OH, and Rocky River, OH Public Schools. He graduated from The University of Dayton in 1969 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History, and a Master of Divinity degree from Saint Mary Seminary Graduate School of Theology, Cleveland OH, in 1974.
Father Michael B. was a member of a class of 26 ordained priests of the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland on 8 June 1974. He cheerfully served as parochial vicar in Wadsworth, Barberton, Olmsted Falls, Hudson, Cuyahoga Falls and Brunswick before becoming pastor of Immaculate Conception of Mary Parish, Akron OH, on 1 May 1998.
Descended from artists, Michael B. had a life-long interest in calligraphy, heraldry and vexillology (the history and lore of flags). A member of the North American Vexillology Association, he was particularly proud of participating in the design of the Hudson, OH, city flag, as well as many heraldic logos for parishes of the Diocese of Cleveland. Michael B. loved to travel, visiting 24 countries on 3 continents, 47 states (particularly the New Jersey Shore), and was a long-time rail fan of Amtrak passenger train adventures.
An active member of A.A. since 1986, he was always grateful to give back to The Program by assisting other recovering people with 4th and 5th Steps.
Predeceased by his parents, Frank C. and Betty Smith, uncles and aunts W. Manning and Minnie Smith, Walter F. and Christine Bandelow, godmother Nancy Stockdale, cousins Mark Stockdale, Thomas Bandelow, Billy, Judy, and Thomas Smith, and William Hickey. He is survived by first cousins Joan Hickey, Peter (Lolet) Bandelow, Christine Youngbluth, Richard (Lauree) Bandelow, and a large tribe of cousins, Rocky River High School and University of Dayton Alumni and friends.
Fr. Mike was a joyful soul, a faithful priest, a wonderful confessor and a friend who will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Memorial contributions may be made to Immaculate Conception Of Mary Parish, 2101 17th St. S.W., Akron OH 44314; St. Mary Seminary, 28700 Euclid Ave, Wickliffe OH 44092; or the University of Dayton 300 College Park Ave, Dayton OH 45469.
Vespers will be at Immaculate Conception of Mary Parish, Akron OH, on Wednesday, July 24 beginning at 3:00PM with visitation to follow until 7:00PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, July 25 at 11:00AM at the church, with visitation beginning at 10:00AM. Private burial at St. John Cemetery in Cleveland.
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Rev. Michael B. Smith, age 77, passed away July 18, 2024. Priest of the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland. A joyful soul, faithful priest, wonderful confessor and friend who will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Ordained 8 June 1974, he cheerfully served in Wadsworth, Barberton, Olmsted Falls, Hudson, Cuyahoga Falls, Brunswick and Akron.
Predeceased by his parents, Frank C. and Betty Smith, uncles and aunts W. Manning and Minnie Smith, Walter F. and Christine Bandelow. Survived by many cousins and friends.
Memorial contributions may be made to Immaculate Conception Of Mary Parish, 2101 17th St. S.W., Akron OH 44314; St. Mary Seminary, 28700 Euclid Ave, Wickliffe OH 44092; or the University of Dayton 300 College Park Ave, Dayton OH 45469.
Vespers will be at Immaculate Conception of Mary Parish, Akron OH, on Wednesday, July 24 beginning at 3:00PM with visitation to follow until 7:00PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, July 25 at 11:00AM at the church, with visitation beginning at 10:00AM. Private burial at St. John Cemetery in Cleveland. Anthonyfh.com Published by Cleveland.com from Jul. 19 to Jul. 21, 2024.
Jeffrey Michael Stark
I was sad to hear about Michael. I always enjoyed connecing with him at the reunions. He was a very wam, gentle and welcoming person. I especially enjoyed his witty sense of humor. Michael was our perential MC at the reunions. Had God not called him to His service, he could have been a successful standup comedian. I will always have a smile in my heart when I think of Michael.
Corinne Lynn Isaac (Smith)
Michael Smith dedicated his life to God. He was truly a good man. I was sad to read about his passing. May his memory be eternal. He will be missed dearly. Rest in peace, Father Michael.
Susan L Rodgers (Fleming)
Michael B was a truly wonderful person. He was always a cheerful presence who added energy to our class. He was such a Rocky River booster--a true Pirate! I loved having him as a neighbor and friend who could always be counted on for some laughs.
Roger Bacon
Michael, BruceBaker and I shared a lot of humorous moments in what I think was Art Class. Most amusing and a very easy guy to like.
Rest in peace, a hallowed member of '65.
Barbara Lynn Konig (Hendershot)
Father Mike was probably the most memorable person in the Class of '65. I'll never forget his wonderful sense of humor. May he rest in eternal peace.
Mary Kathryn Coulter
The best of the best. The most cheerful laugh, the sweetest hugs, the most enthusiastic cheerleader, and the most devoted Pirate. Mike will be genuinely missed. Rest peacefully Fr Mike.
William Smith Daugherty
RIP Father Mike. Our lives were all Blessed by yours and your infectious sense of humor.
Booth John Muller
It can definitely be said that Mike helped save me. When I was a cocky adolescent athiest I had several converstions with Mike about his faith in God, and I felt I'd proven conclusively how wrong he and his fellow believers were. Mike was always willing to discuss the topic with me, but remained inexplicably unconvinced by my flawless logic. Some years later, when the Holy Spirit began to drag me (largely against my will!) into the family of believers, I came to realize that Mike's unalterable convictions had been, and remained, somewhat persuasive to me in spite of his inability to articulate persuasive responses against my cogent argumentation. Now, of course, I have my own answers for all the questions and arguments I presented to Mike back in those days.
One never know what seeds one sows might take root. It turns out I was fertile soil, after all, for some of seeds sown by Mike (and by CS Lewis and just a few others). Thank you, Michael, for contributing so faithfully to the salvation of my soul!
John Wilderman
So sorry. Just a great human being. A true humanitirain highligted by his deep caring for others. He will be sorely missed.
Robert S Morton
Mike and I hung out as kids. He lived a street over from me—on Breezewood, I believe, while I was on Beechnut Lane. He had a really neat train set in the basement, and we were both heavy into model trains. I also remember him showing me his scrapbook of flags from around the world and his incredible drawings of them. He was such a kind and creative person. RIP, Michael, and thanks for the memories.