Henry John Smierciak

Henry J. Smierciak (Mr. Henry) passed away on June 14, 2024, at "The Brooks of Cibolo", an assisted living facility in Cibolo, Texas. He was 94 years old.

Henry was born in Shelton, CT. on April 6, 1930. His parents were father, Joseph John Smierciak and mother Catherine Mycek Smierciak. Henry was a beloved husband, father, (Opa) grandfather and friend to all who knew him. He graduated from St. Michael's Catholic High School in Derby, CT. in 1947 and soon thereafter enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. After graduation from basic training, Henry was assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Franklin Delano Roosevelt as a cook. He was aboard ship for 18 months, earning him the distinction of being a "Sea Going Marine". This was something that Henry was immensely proud of. After finishing his enlistment in the Marine Corps in 1950, Henry then enlisted in the United States Army, again as a cook. He was stationed at various sites, all in Germany, but his main duty stations were the training bases of Grafenwoehr and Hohenfels. After his enlistment was completed in the Army in 1953, Henry would begin his longest portion of his military career in the United States Air Force. 

Henry would serve in the Air Force 22+ years. He was stationed at many military bases throughout his career; these included Lackland AFB, Davis Monthan AFB, Laughlin AFB, Rhein main AFB, Ramstein AFB, Bitteburg AFB and several temporary assignments. In the spring of 1962 Henry would meet the love of his life, Irmgard Anita Brockschlager. They were married on December 20, 1963 and remained married until her passing November 9, 2019,(56 years).

While in the Air Force Henry was at the forefront of the Data Automation process through the use of the punch card system to help transition the military to the early computer systems. This work earned Henry the awarding of two Air Force Commendation medals. Henry retired from the Air Force in 1975 with a combined 28 years and 8 days of total military service. 

After Henry's time in the military ended he embarked on a career of 19+ years of Federal (Civil Service) time. During this time he first worked for Social Security Administration, the US Army's medical command and the Air Force commissary system. Henry concluded a military and civil service career of 47+ years of service in 1993.

During his civil service career Henry went to school at night and received his Bachelor of Arts from Southwest Texas State University in 1982, then his Master of Arts in 1985 also from Southwest Texas State University. 

After retiring from civil service (2nd retirement) Henry started a so called "part time" job, inspecting and installing fire extinguishers. It very quickly became a full-time job. This portion of Henry's working career was his most enjoyable. He met people from different businesses and organizations from all around the San Antonio area. He was always fair and extremely generous, especially with poor churches and organizations. Often he would pay for the equipment and inspections himself to help the poor. He did this work for 19+ years and became so popular that he often would give business to his coworkers who were less successful. Ultimately, Henry had to retire at the age of 83 years old to help care for his wife.

Henry was a devout Catholic and a man of deep faith. He was a member of the Good Shepard Catholic Church in Schertz, Texas for 50 years. He also attended Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Selma, Texas, daily mass for more than 20 years. He was member of the Knights of Columbus in Schertz, Texas for 30+ years (3rd Degree Knight). Henry was also a 60 + year Mason; he was a member of The Randolph Masonic Lodge in Schertz, Texas.

Henry J. Smierciak was truly one of a kind. He was incredibly generous, had an infectious sense of humor, a man of deep faith and loved his family deeply. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. "We will always carry your memory in our hearts".

Henry was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Irmgard Anita Smierciak; father, Joseph John Smierciak; mother, Catherine Mycek Smierciak; sister, Elizabeth Kuchinski; brothers, Frank and Edward Smierciak. He is survived by his sons, Joe with wife Laura, Mike with wife Norma and Tom with wife Jessica; and grandchildren, Michael, Chase and Taylor Smierciak. 

A Visitation will take place from 5:00PM - 8:00PM, with the Holy Rosary to be recited at 7:00PM, Wednesday, July 3, 2024 at Schertz Funeral Home Chapel. The Mass will begin at 11:00AM on Friday, July 5, 2024 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church of Selma, Texas. Interment will immediately follow at 1:00PM at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery- Shelter 1. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Henry's honor to Seton Home, 115 Mission RD., San Antonio, TX 78210 or at setonhomesa.org