Gregory “Greg” F. Smith age 66 of Conneaut, Ohio died early Tuesday morning February 10, 2015 at the Ashtabula County Nursing Home.

Greg was born on July 30, 1948 in Conneaut, Ohio, the son of the late Clifford F. and Lorraine A. (Gaukel) Smith. Greg was a 1967 graduate of Conneaut High School and later enlisted in the United States Army and proudly served his country. He was stationed in Hanau, Germany where he was assigned to Military Supply and Automotive Mechanics. Greg was honorably discharged in 1970. He returned home to work initially for the Nickel Plate Railroad as a signal maintainer. Greg finally retired in 2008 from the General Electric Locomotive Plant in Erie, PA after 30 years of service. He began as a welder in the locomotive section and then worked in parts and shipping and finished his tenure in the maintenance division.

Greg was an avid stock car builder, mechanic, racer and co-owner; he loved to compete at Raceway7. He also restored and treasured his various antique Cushman scooters, tractors and motors. Greg could rebuild just about anything to do with an engine. He also competed in car shows and tractor pulling contests. He was known to have read the entire Bible and the complete Encyclopedia Britannica. In his spare time Greg enjoyed reading anything written by author Louis L’Amour.

Greg was preceded in death by his parents. His is survived by a sister, Claudia E. (Smith) and her husband Dale S. Rumberger of Lorton, Virginia, nephews, Nicholas J. and wife Diane Rumberger, Scott D. Rumberger, grandnieces Madeline, Abigail and grandnephew Zachary. All also from Lorton, Virginia. Greg also has numerous cousins foremost Sylvia (Gaukel) and Terry Atkinson.

At Greg’s request there will be no calling hours. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Friday April 10, 2015 at 11:00 AM at St. Mary Roman Catholic Church, Corpus Christi Parish in Conneaut with Fr. Philip Miller officiating. A private family burial will follow later at East Conneaut Cemetery, with the American Legion Honor Squad conducting military honors. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Hospice of the Western Reserve or the Raisian Family Funeral Home, 581 Harbor Street, Conneaut, where arrangements are being handled.

Service Date: April 10, 2015

Memorial Mass at 11:00 a.m.

 Service Information