Obituary of Edward Smyk

Edward A. Smyk was born, raised and educated in Paterson. Mr. Smyk holds degrees in political science and sociology from Fairleigh Dickinson University, Rutherford, New Jersey, where he was a Dean's and Honors List student.

Mr. Smyk has been affiliated with Passaic County government since November 1970. He became Public Information Officer for the county's social service agency, until retiring in 2004. In tandem with his work, Mr. Smyk was appointed the Passaic County Historian by the Board of Chosen Freeholders in 1975. In the last four plus decades, he has published more than 150 articles on county history, some of which were re-edited and published in book form, Historic Passaic County: An Illustrated History (2004). Mr. Smyk served as a columnist for the North Jersey Herald News, writing a popular series titled Tales of Our Heritage.

Mr. Smyk has played a significant role in the preservation of historic Lambert Castle, the Dey Mansion, Passaic County Courthouse, and adjacent Northern Mannerist, Flemish-style annex building. In recognition of his efforts, Mr. Smyk has received historic preservation awards from the State of New Jersey and Paterson's Historic Preservation Commission. In March 2001, he provided testimony to the U.S. House of Representatives' Subcommittee on National Parks and Public Lands for placing the Great falls Historic District under the aegis of the National Park Service.

Mr. Smyk was awarded, in 1987, the Local Historians' Award of Distinction, conferred by the New Jersey Historical Commission, New Jersey Historical Society and League of Historical Societies of New Jersey, "for outstanding contributions to New Jersey History." The City of Paterson, through Mayor William J. Pascrell II, proclaimed Edward A. Smyk Day, 24 March 1995, "for twenty years of productive and exemplary service to community, county and state." He has served as a trustee for the Great Falls Preservation and Development Corporation, a member of the Board of Governors and Historian for The Hamilton Club of Paterson, and Secretary for the Passaic County Bicentennial Commission. He has received awards from the Passaic County Freeholders (now County Commissioners), the Canal Society of New Jersey, the Sons of the American Revolution, and the Grand Jurors' Association of Passaic County.

In May 2009, Mr. Smyk was awarded a "certificate of profound appreciation" by the county historical society. He was elected an Honorary Life Trustee of the Society in June 1994.

Beloved brother of David. Loving brother-in-law of Linda. Dear uncle of Brian and Stacy. Great-uncle of Ethan, Hayden, Cooper and Nate. Cherished cousin of Jane Muratti.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral services at the Festa Memorial Funeral Home, 111 Union Blvd, Totowa, on Monday at 10:30 AM. Interment to folow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Totowa. Friends may visit Sunday 1-4 PM.