Final Salute

dward Henry “Ski” Smitowski, 81, a U.S. Navy and Federal Civil Service retiree, died on Sunday, June 29, 2008, in Lecanto, Florida.
A native of Schenectady, New York, Mr. Smitowski moved to Beverly Hills from Vallejo, CA, in 1987. He was of the Catholic faith.
Mr. Smitowski attended school in Schenectady and earned a degree in Criminal Justice. He was employed by the U.S. Army in Schenectady. At the age of 17 in 1943, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served in the Pacific area during the remaining years of WWII, earning several decorations including two battle stars. Upon re-enlisting, he served in many locations throughout the world before retiring as a Chief Petty Officer in 1965. He was then employed as a Public Works foreman by the City of Yuba City, CA, until 1967 when he returned to federal service. He retired from federal civil service as a Police Lieutenant and license examiner in 1986 with a total of 42 years of federal service.
He was a member of Fleet Reserve Association, Retired Federal Employee Association, Navy Memorial Fund, Seabee Historical Foundation and other like organizations. He was involved with United Way for several years.
He was preceded in death by his wife Carrie Marie Smitowski in July of 1996 and his brother-in-law, Thurman B. Shipley.
He is survived by his sister, Jean Shipley of Ocala, FL, and two nephews and one niece.
Visitation will be on Wednesday, July 2, 2008, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Fero Funeral Home, 5955 N. Lecanto Highway, Beverly Hills, FL 34465.
Burial will be at West Lawn Cemetery in Elizabeth City, N.C., on Saturday, July 5, 2008.
Fero Funeral Home Beverly Hills, Florida.
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Published by Citrus County Chronicle on Jul. 1, 2008.