Eugene E. Smercina

HURON - Father Eugene (Gene) Edward Smercina was called home to serve with his Lord on March 17, 2020. Gene passed away at Stein Hospice, Sandusky, surrounded by his loving wife and family.

Gene was born in Cleveland Ohio, moved to Solon at a young age, and graduated in 1951 from Solon High School, Magna Cum Laude.  Gene then attended college at Kent State University majoring in philosophy and graduated in 1955, Magna Cum Laude.  He enjoyed working part time as a photographer for the school newspaper.

In June of 1953 Gene married the former Mae Koch and together they had four sons Braden, David, James, and Daniel.

Gene began his ministry calling by attending seminary at Bexley Hall Episcopal Seminary at Kenyon College in Gambier, OH. Prior to his ordination, he had ministry internships at Episcopal parishes in several Ohio cities.  In June of 1959 the Episcopal Diocese of Ohio ordained Gene and assigned him his first church, St Matthews Episcopal Church in Ashland, Ohio. During his ministry in Ashland, Gene oversaw the building of a brand new church and grew the congregation over the next six years.

In 1965 Gene visited Huron, Ohio and fell immediately in love with the town and Christ Episcopal Church. He especially loved the church’s history and setting on Lake Erie. In January of 1966 he answered his calling and moved his family to Huron, Ohio, to begin his 35 year ministry at Christ Episcopal Church.

In May 1981 Gene married the former Suzanne (Suzy) Biehl of Sandusky.  They spent their first four summers in New York City where Gene pursued studies in spiritual direction and counseling at General Seminary.  The two of them have lived in Huron enjoying 38 years of family, friends, travel, and worship.

Gene had many talents and personal interests.  Serving as chaplain for the Huron Yacht Club he blessed many boats and events.  He loved sailing and owned several sailboats through his life.  He was an avid reader and book collector.  For several years he translated theological texts from Spanish and French into English for Bowling Green State University.  Loving all music, Gene enjoyed his baby grand piano, and continued his lessons until very recently.  He enjoyed carpentry, gardening, and community theater, while always wishing he had more time to do it.  He was especially proud of his role as the narrator in the play “Our Town” for Perkins High School.

Both spiritually and professionally, as a member of Huron’s community, Gene took on various roles helping, counseling, teaching, and ministering to both the church as well as the wider community. Along with his normal ministry, Gene provided outreach ministry for many hospital and shut-in patients in his community. Over his career, Gene earned two Master’s degrees related to Theology and Philosophy. He also taught Philosophy classes part-time at Bowling Green State University. Earlier in his career in Huron he was a member of the Huron Rotary club. He received various community awards and earned Huron’s Chamber of Commerce’s Young Man-of-Year award in 1971. Gene also served on the Huron City School Board from 1973 -1981 and became President of the Board in 1976. He was proud to have been able to present his sons their high school diplomas at their graduation ceremonies.

During his years at Christ Episcopal Church Gene had many accomplishments and innovative projects that touched the lives of parishioners such as:  youth prayer breakfasts; animal blessings in the park; leading the Episcopal Cursillo Movement; acquiring National Historic Registry status for Christ Church; creating a celebration columbarium for church members and relatives; and coordinating multi-denominational worship events with nearby churches in the community.  In December 1990, Pastor Gene organized the annual ‘Search for the Christ Child’ celebrating the birth of Jesus and the Christmas season.  The event became so popular, drawing thousands of participants and visitors, that it quickly outgrew the Christ Church facility and moved to a larger location.  Inspired by Gene’s discernment and direction Christ Church influenced the callings of one nun, three priests, several missionaries, and strongly supported many Oberlin college organists to find continuing placement after graduation.

In October of 2001 Pastor Gene officially retired from Christ Episcopal Church. The church later awarded him the title of Pastor Emeritus.

Following his retirement from Christ Church, Gene continued his ministry by accepting an assignment for the Episcopal Diocese as interim Pastor at St Paul’s Episcopal Church in Bellevue, Ohio.  In addition he spent four years as Calling Pastor for Zion Eve. Lutheran Church in Sandusky, Ohio. He also assisted other area churches with interim pastor duties.

He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend.  In addition to his accomplished and distinguished career in the ministry, what Reverend Smercina will be most remembered for will be his engaging personality and gentle soul. Pastor Gene had the ability to reach people in a deep and profound manner.  His humble and unassuming demeanor allowed people to instantly feel safe and comfortable in his presence.  Because of his sensitive nature and spiritual enlightenment, he was able to provide guidance and healing to many people.  Gene Smercina was a consummate gentleman who will truly be missed.

Gene is survived by his wife Suzy, and four sons; Brad of Huron, Dave (Mary) of St Charles, IL, Jim (Karol) of Elmore, OH, and Dan (Lori) of Lebanon, OH; eight grandchildren, and four great grandchildren; brother-in-law Doug (Bobbie) Biehl of Sandusky; sister-in-law Rochelle (Jay) Poggiali of Huron; a sister-in-law, Roberta (Dave) Sharpe of Sandusky; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Edward and Helen; and the mother of his children Mae Butler.

There will be a Celebration of Life Service to be announced at a later date.

A private family graveside service, officiated by Rev Michael Floyd, will be at Oak Bluff Cemetery, Berlin Twp.

Flowers are welcome and donations can be made to Christ Episcopal Church, Firelands Habitat for Humanity, 7602 Milan Rd, Sandusky, 44870, or Stein Hospice Services, 1200 Sycamore Line, Sandusky, OH  44870.

Online condolences may be shared at fosterfh.com.

Foster Funeral Home & Crematory, Huron, is assisting the family.

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