Donald J. "Pepsi" Smerdel Sr.

Donald J. "Pepsi" Smerdel Sr., 84, of Houston, passed away peacefully at
2:28 a.m. Tuesday, August 8, 2017, in TownVeiw Health and Rehabilitation
Center, Canonsburg, following a brief illness.
He was born October 3, 1932, in Strabane, a son of the late Jacob and Anna
Mezek Smerdel.
Mr. Smerdel lived his entire life in Strabane and Houston. He was a member
of St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church, Canonsburg.
Mr. Smerdel served with the U.S. Army as a military police. He was a member
of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 553, Strabane.
Prior to his retirement, Mr. Smerdel was employed at the former
McGraw-Edison Power Systems and Cooper Industries for many years.
He was a member of the SNPJ and KSKJ lodges, both of Strabane, and was an
was an accomplished polka dancer. He enjoyed camping and fishing and was an
avid bowler for more than 50 years.
On June 12, 1961, he married Elizabeth Ragona, who passed away September 1,
1997.
Left to cherish his memory are two sons, Scot Alan "Scooter" Smerdel and
wife Diane of Houston and Donald Jacob Smerdel Jr., at home; two
granddaughters, Megan and Madison Smerdel; a sister, Jackie Sandala and
husband Donald "Duckie" of Monroeville; and several nieces and nephews,
including two special nieces who helped with his care, Robin Strawn and
Sharon Bauer.
Deceased, in addition to his wife and parents, is a sister, Dolores Tomsic.
Friends are welcome from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday in Salandra Funeral
and Cremation Services Inc., Joseph P. Salandra, owner/supervisor, 304 West
Pike Street, Canonsburg, 724-745-8120, where departing prayers will be
recited at 9:30 a.m. Friday, August 11. A Mass of Christian Burial will
follow at 10 a.m. in St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church, 317 West Pike
Street, Canonsburg. Interment will follow in St. Patrick Cemetery,
Canonsburg, with full military rites accorded by Veterans of Foreign Wars
Post 191 Honor Guard, Canonsburg, and the U.S. Army.