Louis P. Szmyd went to join his heavenly family on May 3, 2014. Lou was born on October 18, 1918, to Jan and Rozalia Szmyd in Chicago Illinois. He was the last remaining member of his immediate family. In addition to his parents, Lou was predeceased by a brother, Henry, sisters, Helen, Tess, and Bernice.

Lou served his country during World War II as a U. S. Army Military Policeman, escorting troops by train, across our country. Those who knew Lou, would readily agree that this was a fitting job for a man of his stature and booming voice. Following discharge from the military, Lou worked for the Crane Company and in the warehouse for S.S. Kresge.

Lou was an avid fisherman while living in Chicago. He built his own cabin cruiser from a kit from Sears & Roebuck. He sailed Lake Michigan and many lakes in Minnesota and Wisconsin in search of Coho salmon.

Lou was a life member of the Amvets and Catholic War Veterans, and the Polish Club where he served several offices.

Upon retiring to Uniontown in 1979, he became a member of St. Joseph's Church and was an usher for many years. Lou was very proud of his Polish heritage and his Catholic faith. He would have felt it was appropriate that he passed on May 3 " trzeci Maj" which is Poland's Independence Day.

Lou is survived by his beloved wife Helen (Harenza). They would have celebrated 62 years of marriage on May 23.

In addition to his wife, Lou is survived locally by sisters- in-law, Millie Saytos, Virginia Bieniek, and Sophie Harenza, nieces, Beverly Popson and Jeff, Sandi Long and Bill, Marice Brooks and Scott, Barbara DiGrazia and Paul of Chicago, Candie Woods and Jeff of Las Vegas, Joyce Mahoney of Gary Indiana, and nephews, Jerry Harenza and Verna of Florida, Rick Ulrich and Wayne Bielunski of Michigan, and several great nieces and nephews.

Family would like to thank the staff at Beechwood Court and LaFayette Manor for the loving care they provided to Lou and to Fathers Ronald Simboli and James Clark for their spiritual blessings and support.

Friends will be received in the Stephen R. Haky Funeral Home, Inc., 603 N. Gallatin Ave., Ext., Uniontown, PA, today, Monday, May 5, 2014 from 4 to 7 p.m.; and Tuesday, May 6, until 9:15 a.m. when Prayers of Transfer will be said.

The Funeral Mass will follow at 10 a.m. in St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church with Rev. Father Ronald L. Simboli as Celebrant.

Interment will follow at Sylvan Heights Cemetery, Uniontown, where military honors will be accorded by Amvets Post 103.