In memory of John Tafel Smailer

We are saddened to report the death of John Tafel Smailer on January 15, 2012. John and his beloved wife Betsy are pictured on the left. The picture was from the Tafel family reunion that was held in Asheville, North Carolina in 2004. As you can tell from the photo, John's smile was always present when Betsy was at his side. The text below contains more information about John's life.

STONE RIDGE – John Tafel Smailer of Cooper Street, died Tuesday, January 15th, at Kingston Hospital.  He was 78.  He was born on October 9, 1934 in Philadelphia, PA to the late Helen Tafel Smailer and John Morris Smailer.  He resided in West Chester, PA until moving to Stone Ridge in 2006.

He served in the US Army from 1955 to 1957, and then spent most of his career as an industrial arts teacher in the Rosetree Media School District in Media, PA.  He enjoyed advising students in the art of outdoorsmanship and spearheaded the New Horizons Program through the school.  He actively participated in the Boy Scouts with his sons.

He was a member of the Swedenborgian Church originally located in Philadelphia  and was a key player in the vision, development and construction of the Temenos Retreat Center in West Chester, PA.

During retirement, John enjoyed fishing, wood & metal crafting, gardening and the watching of sports of all kinds.  He cherished time spent with his grandsons and his pets.

He will be missed dearly by those who survive him including his wife of 51 years, Elizabeth Reinholt Smailer; his brother and sister-in-law, Ralph and Sandra Smailer of Pittsburgh, PA; his son Greg Smailer of Quinlan, TX; his son and daughter-in-law, J. Christopher and Megan Smailer of Stone Ridge; his grandsons Brendan and Alexander Smailer; and his nephews and their families.

The family has made a donation to the Albany Medical College Anatomical Gift Program through the Hans Funeral Home, Albany, NY.  There will be no calling hours.  Cremation, and a memorial service to celebrate John’s life, will be held at a later date.