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Harry Daniel Smernes

Harry Daniel Smernes, 82 passed away on February 18, 2015 surrounded by his family after a short illness. He was born on December 8, 1932 to Daniel and Olga Smernes in Napa, CA. Harry attended St. John’s Catholic School and Napa High.

He was very active in sports in school. After graduation, he joined the Army Air Corps during the Korean War. When he returned to Napa after serving, he married Helen Wilson. They had three children, Janice, Jeanne and Nick.

They moved to Sacramento where he went to Sacramento State and got his teaching credential. He worked for The Sacramento School District for 31 years as a coach and a counselor. He also worked for the Sacramento Bee for 15 years.

Harry was loving, fun and enjoyed life to the fullest. He always played sports and was an avid golfer, playing every week at Kennedy Park.

In 1993, his wife Helen passed away and he met Nancy Bradd in 1994 and they were married in 1996. They enjoyed traveling together and many happy times with their family and friends.

He is predeceased by his parents, Daniel and Olga Smernes, sisters, Artemis Smernes, Elle Smernes and Electra Butler and his daughter, Janice Smernes Svendsen. Harry is survived by his wife Nancy, sister, Alkemene Bandar (Ray); children, Jeanne Godwin (Ed) and Nick Smernes (Angela Yanaz), stepchildren, Elaine Paoli (Jim), Sue Titus Griego (Joe) and Greg Titus. Grandchildren, Holly Kinney (Brian), Gary Magana (Sarah), Shelby Clark, Sierra Smernes, Clare Yanaz, Alisha Michaelson (Sven), Andrea Griego and Alexa Griego and James Bush (Amber), nine great grandchildren, niece, Jeanette Mulgrew and lifelong friend, Len Rothman (Nan).

Harry was a man of faith in Jesus and he showed his faith in how he lived and treated everyone. He was caring, kind and generous. He will be missed by all who loved him.

There will be a memorial celebration at Grace Church, 3765 Solano Avenue, Napa, CA 94558 on Thursday, February 26, at 2:00pm. Donations can be made to Napa Valley Hospice. Memories and notes of sympathy may be shared at claffeyandrota.com.