Robert Smay

Jan 3, 1927 -

Dec 30, 2022

Robert L. Smay, 95, peacefully entered the presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Dec. 30, 2022. He was born on Jan. 3, 1927, to Raymond and Ursula Smay in Clearfield, Pa. He was the second of 12 children.

He was a member of the Pennsylvania Home Guard before serving in World War II as a Navy gunner on a merchant ship in the Pacific. Robert was honorably discharged from the Navy in July 1946, and graduated from Clearfield High School.

Robert worked for New York Central Railroad as a fireman and welder at Piper Aircraft. He met Henrietta McCracken in 1946, and they were married June 26, 1948, in Shawville, Pa. They left Pennsylvania, in June 1954, for Alaska with three children while expecting a fourth. They drove a 1950 Ford Panel truck pulling a 35-foot house trailer up the Alcan. They arrived in Anchorage, Alaska, on July 9, 1954. In May 1955, they moved from Spenard to Rabbit Creek, where they raised seven children.

Before Robert left Pennsylvania, he wanted to start a church in Alaska. Robert and Henrietta started St. John United Methodist Church in 1960. He was also instrumental in starting Birchwood Camp and Alaska Methodist University (APU).

Robert worked for Fuller Paint and Glass Co., Skyline Cleaners, and was a fire control equipment salesman before operating the family business, 5th Avenue Laundry and Dry Cleaners from 1963-1990.

Robert also found time to develop a trade and manufacturer site on 80 acres in Slana, Alaska. He was involved with Boy Scouts and children at Jesse Lee Home. He loved hunting and fishing to provide for his family and was a lifetime member of the NRA.

Robert was a layman Evangelist who always brought the conversations around to Jesus. He was quite a visionary as you look at his legacy. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Robert is survived by his children, Alvin Smay of Anchorage, Darlene Hunter (Jeff) of Eagle River, Alaska, Barbara Dean (Phil) of Anchorage, Bonnie Jaroslaw (Fr. Paul) of Ellensburg, Wash., Virginia Niusini-Dixson (Rick) of Anchorage, Roberta Smay and Peggy Kiefer (Joe) of Chugiak, Alaska; 21 grandchildren; and 29 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by brothers, Richard, Clyde, Joseph and Roy Smay; and two sisters, Betty Cadden and Mary Marasa.

He was predeceased by his wife, Henrietta Smay; his parents; three sisters; and two brothers.

The viewing is from 1-1:30 p.m., followed by the funeral at 1:30 p.m., on Jan. 16, 2023, at St. John United Methodist Church. Robert requested donations be made to St. John United Methodist Church, children and youth ministries, 1801 O'Malley Road, Anchorage, AK 99507.