Frederick Stanley Smart's Obituary
Frederick Stanley Smart age 72 of Branch, MI passed away on Monday, January 6, 2025 at Corewell Health Ludington Hospital. Fred was born on April 23, 1952 in Detroit, the son of Ellsworth and Eilleen (Philp) Smart and graduated from Detroit Osborn High School with the class of 1970. Following his graduation, Fred served his country during the Vietnam Conflict with the United States Army. On September 10, 1983, Fred married Jo Anne Pietrzak in Detroit and they have celebrated 41 years together.
While in the military, Fred received training as a diesel mechanic and he utilized those skills to the fullest. He served as the chief mechanic for the City of Detroit Department of Transportation – Trolley Cars for many years before moving and working in multiple cities across the country as a mechanic. He and Jo Anne loved to travel together and visited all 50 of the United States, 49 of them by car, and many of the provinces in Canada. Alaska was one of their favorite destinations. When Fred’s sons were younger, he was very active with the Boy Scouts of America – where both sons completed the level of Eagle Scout. In his later years, Fred and Jo Anne settled in Branch Township where Fred enjoyed puttering around his home all day but appearing to accomplish nothing, swapping stories of the road with his neighbors, and sailing the great lakes with family.
Along with his wife Jo Anne, Fred will be greatly missed by his sons Mark of Branch and Joshua (Darcy) Smart of Coopersville; his beloved grandchildren Lincoln and Casey; his sister Ginger Lyvinsov of Eustis, Florida; his brother Edward (Maryann) Smart of Fraser; along with nieces, nephews, cousins, and many great friends made over his lifetime across the United States.
Fred was preceded in death by his parents Ellsworth and Eilleen; his sister Patricia Zolcienski; and his brother Ted Smart.
A Gathering of Friends and Family will take place on Saturday, January 25, 2025 at Wyman Funeral & Cremation Services in Scottville from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm with a ceremony to honor Fred’s life starting at 1:00 pm and military honor guard rites to follow.
Those who wish to remember Fred with a memorial donation are asked to please consider Lakeshore Animal Friends, PO Box 503, Ludington, MI 49431. www.lakeshoreanimalfriends.com
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