Obituary of John L. Smorol

January 30, 2016 John L Smorol, 93, of Syracuse died peacefully Saturday morning at Francis House surrounded by his family. A loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather he was one of 13 children born to the late John and Nellie Smorol and grew up on Park Ave. John was extremely proud of his Polish heritage. After graduating from Vocational High School in 1941 he served as a Cpl in the Army Air Corp during WW II from 1942-1946. In 1947 he married Stella Dziedzic and together they raised three sons, living in the Valley Area of Syracuse. John retired from Carrier Corp after 41 years of service. A man of unwavering faith, John was a communicant of Our Lady of Lourdes and The Basilica of Sacred Heart. He was a life long member of the Knights of Columbus Sacred Heart Council #6282. John was a coach, past president, and member of the board of directors of the Valley Little League and Valley Babe Ruth. He was also a member of the Valley Men's Club. An avid bowler, John served as secretary of the 32 team Sackett Tract Bowling league for many years. He participated in 43 American Bowling Congress Championships throughout the country. He was also inducted into the Syracuse Bowling Association Hall of Fame. John was also a die-hard SU basketball and football fan and held season tickets for both since 1960. He enjoyed going to these events with his 3 sons and he and Stella enjoyed summers at their camp at Southwick Beach. John was predeceased by his son William in 2004 and eleven of his brothers and sisters. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Stella, sons Leonard (Barbara), John L Jr. (Donna), daughter-in-law Constance Smorol, 7 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren and one sister, Valarie Cooney. The family would like to give special thanks to Dr. Ali Kahn, the staff of Upstate Hospital Community Campus and all of dedicated professionals and volunteers at Francis House. Their exceptional care allowed his final days to be filled with love and compassion. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday 9:30 am at The Basilica of Sacred Heart. Burial with Military Honors will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Geddes. Calling hours will be held Wednesday from 4-7 at the funeral home, 1105 West Genesee Street, Syracuse. In lieu of flowers please make donations in John's name to Francis House, 108 Michaels Ave, Syracuse 13208.