Official Obituary of
Walter Smietana
April 22, 2015
Walter Smietana Obituary
New Bedford - Dr. Walter Smietana, 92, of New Bedford, former president of Alliance College, passed away on Wednesday, April 22, 2015 at St. Luke's Hospital. He was the husband of the late Adele A. (Adamowski) Smietana.
Born in New Bedford, he was the son of the late Stanislaw and Frances (Wojtal) Smietana.
He graduated from New Bedford High School and served as a navigator in the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II where he gained the rank of Lieutenant. For his military service, Dr. Smietana was awarded the World War II Victory Medal, American Service Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Service Medal, and the Air Medal. Dr. Smietana later completed his bachelors degree in education at the University of Michigan. He then completed his masters and doctorate degrees at Boston University.
Dr. Smietana dedicated his life to education and was an instructor at numerous educational establishments throughout his career. This included serving as a professor at both Elmhurst College and Alliance College. While he was a professor at Alliance College, Dr. Smietana helped to develop a study abroad program in cooperation with the Jagiellonian University in Kracow, Poland. In additon, he helped to develop several educational programs on the state, regional, and national levels. Dr. Smietana later served as the President of Alliance College where he completed multiple educational publications.
During his time in PA, he was also a participant in the PA Department of Education. When Dr. Smietana returned to New Bedford, he served as a chairman of the Republican Party as well as a member of the Citizens Advancement Committee. He also served on the Board of Trustees at the New Bedford Institute of Technology and was a past commander of the Polish-American World War Veterans Association. He was a member of the Friends of Poland. His avocations included Astronomy and Photography. Dr. Smietana was also a well known philanthropist who enjoyed spending time with his family.
Dr. Smietana was predeceased by his sister, Sophie Smietana as well as his long time friend, Lena Francis.
Survivors include his siblings Emilia S. Foy of Attleboro, Janina Bryden of New Bedford, Josephine Delano of New Bedford, Wanda Francis of New Bedford, and Thaddeus Smietana of Attleboro. In addition, he leaves multiple nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Fort Tabor Military Museum located at 1000C South Rodney French Boulevard, New Bedford, MA, 02744.
"Happy trails, god speed, & safe passage."
A visiting hour will be Monday, April 27, from 9:30 A.M. to 10:30 A.M., with a service at 10:30 A.M. at Machnowski Funeral Home, 472 Ashley Blvd., New Bedford. Burial with military honors will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, New Bedford.
For condolences, please visit www.machnowskifuneral.com.
Born in New Bedford, he was the son of the late Stanislaw and Frances (Wojtal) Smietana.
He graduated from New Bedford High School and served as a navigator in the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II where he gained the rank of Lieutenant. For his military service, Dr. Smietana was awarded the World War II Victory Medal, American Service Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Service Medal, and the Air Medal. Dr. Smietana later completed his bachelors degree in education at the University of Michigan. He then completed his masters and doctorate degrees at Boston University.
Dr. Smietana dedicated his life to education and was an instructor at numerous educational establishments throughout his career. This included serving as a professor at both Elmhurst College and Alliance College. While he was a professor at Alliance College, Dr. Smietana helped to develop a study abroad program in cooperation with the Jagiellonian University in Kracow, Poland. In additon, he helped to develop several educational programs on the state, regional, and national levels. Dr. Smietana later served as the President of Alliance College where he completed multiple educational publications.
During his time in PA, he was also a participant in the PA Department of Education. When Dr. Smietana returned to New Bedford, he served as a chairman of the Republican Party as well as a member of the Citizens Advancement Committee. He also served on the Board of Trustees at the New Bedford Institute of Technology and was a past commander of the Polish-American World War Veterans Association. He was a member of the Friends of Poland. His avocations included Astronomy and Photography. Dr. Smietana was also a well known philanthropist who enjoyed spending time with his family.
Dr. Smietana was predeceased by his sister, Sophie Smietana as well as his long time friend, Lena Francis.
Survivors include his siblings Emilia S. Foy of Attleboro, Janina Bryden of New Bedford, Josephine Delano of New Bedford, Wanda Francis of New Bedford, and Thaddeus Smietana of Attleboro. In addition, he leaves multiple nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Fort Tabor Military Museum located at 1000C South Rodney French Boulevard, New Bedford, MA, 02744.
"Happy trails, god speed, & safe passage."
A visiting hour will be Monday, April 27, from 9:30 A.M. to 10:30 A.M., with a service at 10:30 A.M. at Machnowski Funeral Home, 472 Ashley Blvd., New Bedford. Burial with military honors will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, New Bedford.
For condolences, please visit www.machnowskifuneral.com.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Walter Smietana, please visit our floral store.
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