The Rev. Wilfred T. Smith, pastor emeritus, St. Mary of the Assumption Parish, Mentor, died Thursday, Aug. 26, 2016, after having received the prayerful support and consolation of the sacraments.
Father Smith was born Sept. 4, 1929. His parents were the late Lloyd William and Gertrude M. (Dooley) Smith and he was uncle to the late Father Paul Smith. He was educated at St. Christopher School, Rocky River; St. Ignatius High School, Cleveland; St. Charles Seminary College, Cantonsville, Md.; and St. Mary Seminary, Cleveland. Archbishop Edward F. Hoban ordained him to the priesthood for service to the Diocese of Cleveland on May 19, 1956 in the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist.
Father Smith?s first assignment was as parochial vicar of St. Philip Neri Parish, Cleveland. On June 8, 1961, he was assigned as parochial vicar of Holy Name Parish, Cleveland, and on June 9, 1966, he was transferred to St. Robert Parish, Euclid, to serve as parochial vicar. Father Smith was assigned as parochial vicar of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Parish in Wooster on Aug. 17, 1971. He was assigned parochial vicar of St. Peter the Apostle, Brook Park, on June 27, 1974. Father Smith was named pastor of St. Mary of the Assumption in Mentor on March 11, 1977. He was granted retirement status on Sept. 17, 2002 with permission to reside at Immaculate Conception Parish in Madison. Father Smith loved the priesthood and served the Church well. His kind smile and generous heart touched the lives of many.
The wake will begin with vespers at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 30 at St. Mary of the Assumption Church, 8560 Mentor Ave., Mentor. Father Don Oleksiak will be the presider and Father Carl Uhler will be the homilist. The wake will continue until 8 p.m. The funeral Mass for Father Smith will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 31 at St. Mary of the Assumption Church. Bishop Roger Gries will be the main celebrant and Deacon Richard Kuhlman will be the homilist. Interment will be at Holy Cross Cemetery, Brook Park.
May Father Smith and all our bishops, priest and deacons who have died, live forever in the job of the resurrection.
