Neal Smitley
Neal E. Smitley, 81, of Zanesville, Ohio, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly at his home on Friday, January 30, 2026.
He was born on Oct. 16, 1944, in Zanesville to Corbyn Smitley and Treva Gillogly Smitley. He was a 1963 graduate of Zanesville High School, where he enjoyed competing in track and from the looks of his report cards, goofing off. After high school he joined the Air National Guard and later returned to Zanesville. For most of his life he was employed at McGraw Edison as a line material operator and later worked stints at Zanesville Fabricators and Longaberger. He was member of Brighton Presbyterian Church and the Fraternal Order of Eagles.
Neal was a loving and supportive father, brother, son and friend, a voracious reader and a long-distance runner who in his prime could be seen logging miles all over Zanesville. When running took too much of a toll on his joints, he took up cycling and playing pool. He enjoyed a good book, a funny joke, a cold beer, discussing current events and nearly every sport or competitive game, especially if it involved the Ohio State Buckeyes, Cincinnati Reds, Boston Celtics or the Cleveland Browns. But let’s be honest, there were few joys in watching the Browns play.
Although he was small in stature and a man of few words, his quiet presence and encouragement loomed large in those he loved, especially his children and grandchildren. He cherished hearing about their lives and accomplishments and cheering them on in their pursuits. He rarely spoke an ill word of anyone, never held a grudge and never liked to be fussed over. He will be deeply missed by his children, extended family and those who knew and loved him.
Neal is survived by his children, Tod (Lisa) Smitley, Tina (Bruce) Kintz and Lynn (Scott) Mizer; his brother, Carl Smitley; his grandchildren, Gage (Dawn) Smitley, Tad Mullen, Kristen (Travis) Thompson, Anna Mizer and Alex Mizer, four great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews and a former wife, Elizabeth Lee Cicotte.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Bill (Carol) Smitley, his sister, Linda (Ernie) Sutton and a former wife, Carol Sheka.
Visitation will be held from will be held 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 6 at Bryan & Hardwick Funeral Home in Zanesville. Funeral services will follow immediately at 1 p.m. with Rev. Joel Esala officiating. A caring cremation will be conducted at a later date.
The Bryan & Hardwick Funeral Home, 2318 Maple Ave. Zanesville, is in charge of the arrangements. To share memories and condolences with Neal’s family please visit www.BryanHardwickFH.com.
