Fred Monroe Smith, Jr.

Fred Monroe Smith Jr. of Niles passed away on January 19, 2024, unexpectedly. He was 84 years old.

He was born in Niles on May 15, 1939, the son of the late Fred and Justine McMullen Smith Sr.

Fred was a 1957 graduate of Niles City Schools and retired from WCI Steel as a tow motor operator and worked in the coal packing department after 40 years with the company.

He proudly served his country with the United States Army as a Private 1^st class from 1960 until 1963 being stationed in Germany for 3 years.

Mr. Smith was a car enthusiast and had owned a 1939 and 1941 Chevy. He and his wife would spend a lot of time taking in the local car shows. He was a huge fan of the Cleveland Indians and spent his time watching reruns of MASH. He was locally known as the Mayor of Panera and spent every morning getting breakfast there and solving the world's problems with his buddies. Fred was also a member and a former Master of the Niles McKinley Masonic Lodge #794.

Fred is survived by his children, Fred (Latricia) Smith III of Austintown, and Sabrina (Tim) Kelley of Boulder, CO; and 6 grandchildren, Erin, Mark (Cara), Matthew, Hannah, Kenney (Amber), and Jeremy (Sara).

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by the love of his life on November 17, 2019, his wife Rose Marie Kraus Smith who he married in 1963 after meeting while he was stationed in Germany; and a brother, Charles Smith.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Fred’s memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or DAV Disabled American Veterans.

Friends and family may view the obituary and send condolences by visiting www.NicholasFuneralHome.com

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Wm Nicholas Funeral Home & Cremation Services 614 Warren Ave. Niles, OH 44446.