Rudolph W. “Rudy” Smolar, 87, of New Brighton, passed away Friday March 31, 2017 at Providence Care Center, Beaver Falls.

He was born May 26, 1929, in New Brighton, son of the late Peter and Elizabeth (Knoblac) Smolar. He attended New Brighton High School where he was a standout athlete playing football, basketball, and baseball, earning four varsity letters. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, and was stationed in Hawaii. While in Hawaii in the 1950’s, Rudy proved to be an exceptional player for the Pacific Coast Champion Hickman AFB baseball team. Upon his return home, he was drafted by the Boston Braves and played minor league baseball in the Appalachian League. After retiring from baseball, he became one of the finest amateur golfers in the area, winning many local tournaments. In 1980 he was inducted into the New Brighton Sports Hall of Fame. Rudy graduated from Geneva College, and then worked as a production engineer at B&W Tubular Steel Co. until his retirement. He was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church in New Brighton, serving as an usher for over fifty years. He was also a member of the American Legion, Post #19 of New Brighton.  

Surviving are his wife Eleanor Ludwig Smolar, two nephews Peter (Kathy) Smolar, Tucson, AZ, John (Pattie) Smolar, South Beaver; niece, Rosemary Smolar, Beaver Falls;  great nephews Timothy, Christopher and Pete Smolar, his step children, who he treated as his own, Judy (Denis) Pasquale, Maureen (Ed) Moldovan, John (Vickie) Ludwig and their families, brother-in-law John Krizanek and his family of Wanatah, IN and cousin Jim (Carol) Smolar of Kansas.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by one brother John Smolar, two sisters Irene Smolar and Elizabeth Krizanek.

Friends will be received Tuesday from 2-4 &-6-8 in the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton, where prayer will be held Wednesday at 9:30am followed by Mass of Christian burial at 10:00am in Holy Family Catholic Church with Rev. Fr. Tom Kredel officiating.

Members of the Veteran Honor Guard will meet Wednesday at 10:30am in the cemetery to provide military honors.

Interment will follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, New Brighton.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to your favorite charity in Rudy’s name.

---

 Service Information