SMEKOFSKI
Clarence W. “Smoky”
Loving, Devoted, Amazing Father
US Navy Veteran WWII Pacific
USPS Letter Carrier,
Proud Union Activist
Born in St. Paul, MN to Joseph and Caroline on September 18, 1925. Survived by daughter Jeanne-Marie, many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Preceded in death by his son Robert and wife Joan. Smoky will be missed by all that were graced with his sense of humor his enormous capacity to love, his gentle nature and his gift of wisdom. He will be especially missed by his daughter Jeannie who so enjoyed their last intimate and coveted years together watching the birds come to the feeder, the cat curled up on his lap, traveling the globe and having many an amazing adventure full of laughs and memories. Embracing the beauty of Hawaii yearly and our special place at Puako. Making every meal together a culinary feast followed by a game of cribbage. Smoky was extremely passionate about his union brothers and sisters at Branch 28 NALC. He was a proud participant in the 1970 Postal Strike. After retirement he stayed active as the union president of the retirees club. Smoky was an avid fisherman and was a master with the filet knife. He loved the outdoors and animals. There will never be another that has touched my life like my father. His life was a most special gift to me and his love for me was boundless. Mass of Christian Burial Thursday (December 12, 2019) 12:00 PM at CHURCH OF ST. PETER, 2600 N. Margaret St., North St. Paul with Visitation starting at 10:30 AM. Time of Sharing and Lunch to follow. Memorials preferred to the family.
NALC Branch 28 lost a great Union man, political champion for the Letter Carrier, teacher, mentor and all around great person. During Thanksgiving week Clarence “Smoky” Smekofski was called to do his last delivery on the big route in the sky. Smoky served in the Armed Forces prior to his work with the Postal Service. The Branch records show he started his membership in the Branch on February 17, 1956 (back then you had to wait a month to sign-up for the Union). Smoky served the Branch in many different capacities over the years: a steward; trustee; President of the PAC; Insurance Representative; political liaison and President of the Retirees club. He also fought hard for the carriers on the workroom floor and in Washington DC to preserve our benefits. He was a proud 1970 striker, putting his own livelihood in peril to achieve better working conditions for all carriers. Smoky was a staple at the Branch Hall after retirement, answering member’s questions and finding deals on food to provide at Branch functions. From my perspective, it was an honor to spend time with him, learning and gaining insight to everyday branch issues. Most importantly, I valued our friendship and conversations about life in general. We both were proud of our Polish heritage. It would be an understatement to say that he will be missed. He was loved by many. Spoczywaj w pokoju Smoky.