The wake for Father Michael B. Smith, senior-priest, retired will begin with vespers at 3 p.m. July 24 at Immaculate Conception Church, 2100 16th St. SW, Akron. Auxiliary Bishop Michael Woost will preside, and Father Joe Bilinski will be the homilist. The wake will continue until 7 p.m.
Bishop Martin Amos, retired bishop of Davenport, Iowa will celebrate Father Smith’s funeral Mass at 11 a.m. July 25 in Immaculate Conception Church. Father Andrew Turner will be the homilist.
Father Smith, 77 died on July 18.
He was born on June 7, 1947, to the late Frank and Elizabeth (Bandelow) Smith. He was educated at St. Ann Elementary, Cleveland Heights, Rocky River Junior High, Rocky River High School, University of Dayton, Borromeo Seminary College, Wickliffe and St. Mary Seminary, Cleveland.
Bishop Clarence G. Issenmann ordained him to the priesthood for service to the Diocese of Cleveland on June 8, 1974, in Gesu Church, University Heights.
Father Smith's first assignment was as parochial vicar of Sacred Heart of Jesus, Wadsworth. He was transferred on June 27, 1979, to serve St. Augustine, Barberton as parochial vicar. On June 28, 1984, Father Smith was appointed parochial vicar of St. Mary of the Falls, Olmsted Falls. He was transferred on October 16, 1986, to serve St. Mary, Hudson as parochial vicar. On June 23, 1992, Father Smith was appointed parochial vicar of Immaculate Heart of Mary, Cuyahoga Falls and later was named administrator on November 7, 1994. He was transferred on July 1, 1997, to serve St. Ambrose, Brunswick as parochial vicar.
On May 1, 1998, Fr. Smith was named pastor of Immaculate Conception, Akron where he served until his retirement on June 7, 2022.
Those who knew him said Father Smith will be remembered most for his dedication, commitment and priestly care to the people of the Kenmore area where he served faithfully for many years.
Interment will be at St. John Cemetery, Woodland Ave, Cleveland.