Mark E. Smida Sr., 62, of Monessen, died unexpectedly Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2021, in his home. He was born March 23, 1959, in Washington, the son of the late Michael and Margaret Rosemeier Smida. Mark was a 1977 graduate of Mon Valley Catholic and went on to graduate from California State College in 1981, where he was a member of the Delta Chi fraternity. Soon after, he graduated from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh with a degree in graphic design. Mark’s love of golf started early as he played in both high school and college. In the early 1980s, he built and operated The Perfect Stroke Indoor Miniature Golf Course in Twilight Hollow. He was retired from Chippewa Golf Club in Bentleyville, where was a greenskeeper for 44 years. He later used his art skills to open a silk-screening business for several years in Monongahela. For many years, he was the coach for Monongahela Little League Baseball and the assistant basketball coach for Madonna Catholic Regional School. Mark was a member of the Monessen Fireman’s Club and loved carpentry, shooting pool and landscaping. He is survived by three children, Rachel Smida Bock and husband Charles, Luke Smida and Jeremy Smida, all of Pittsburgh; three grandchildren, Scarlet, Claire and Amelia Bock; brother, Michael Smida Jr. and wife Mary Agnes and their daughter Joette Rombach and husband Rich of Monessen; sister, Michelle Ward and husband Jim of Monongahela; and his two beloved dogs, Holly and Molly. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sons, Ryan Matthew “Merm” Smida, who died April 16, 2017, and Mark E. Smida Jr., who died July 21, 2017. Private visitations were held at FRYE FUNERAL HOME INC. 427 W. Main St., Monongahela, PA 15063 and burial was in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Anthony School Programs, 2000 Corporate Drive, Suite 5800, Wexford, PA 15090 or at www.stanthonykids.org. Expressions of sympathy may be offered to the family at www.fryefuneralhome.com.
