Chester L. Smiley Jr., 79, of Shenango Township passed away the evening of Jan. 16, 2020, at his residence. Born on Oct. 10, 1940 in New Castle, he was a son of the late Chester L. Smiley Sr. and Geraldine C. Ritchie Smiley. On March 17, 1966, he married his beloved wife, the former Mary Ann Bethle who survives at home.

Chester worked as a welder for Pennsylvania Engineering until he retired. He was a member of Holy Spirit Parish, St. Joseph the Worker site. In the early years, Chester enjoyed hunting and fishing. A loving husband, father and grandfather and great-grandfather, his greatest joy was the time he spent with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, Chester is survived by his children, Chester Smiley III of New Castle, Leslie Stoddard and her companion, Gary McCollums, of Edinburg, and Brad Smiley and his wife, Janine, of New Castle; his brother, Anthony Smiley of New Castle; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Chester was preceded in death by two sisters, Linda Shaftic and Mary Lynch.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Monday at the Ed and Don DeCarbo Funeral Home and Crematory, 941 S. Mill St. A procession will leave the funeral home at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday for a Mass of Christian burial to be celebrated at 10 a.m. at Holy Spirit Parish, St. Joseph the Worker site. The Rev. Brendan Dawson will officiate. Burial will be in Parkside Cemetery.