MSGT Sylvester Smeltzer, United States Air Force, Ret.

 
Sylvester "Sy" Smeltzer was born February 22, 1929 and passed away January 4, 2013 in Georgetown, Texas.  Age, 83.

He was raised in Greensburg, Pa. where he graduated from Greensburg High School in 1947.  It was there that he met his wife, Olga, whom he married on September 12, 1950.

In 1947 he enlisted in the United States Air Force.  He earned a Bachelor's Degree of Arts in Political Science from Rutgers University and a Master's Degree of Education in Rehabilitation Administration from Antioch College in Ohio.  After 21 years of service in the Air Force, he retired as a Senior Master Sergeant.

In retirement, he worked in vocational rehab as a counselor.  He became the regional supervisor and eventually director of Vocational Rehabilitation at the Texas Commission for the Blind.

Sy was a member of both the Rutgers Alumni Association and the Air Force Sergeants Association.  He enjoyed history and tradition, traveling the country and beyond with his family.  He was proud to capture the adventures of his children and grandchildren with his ever present camera.

Sy was a quiet man who loved to be in the presence of his family.  He could tell some amazing stories of his life in the military and of other adventures.

Olga, his dearly beloved wife of 62 years, passed away on December 26, 2012.  Her funeral services where on December 30.  A bare five days before the passing of Sy.

Funeral services for Sy were on January 11 at the Georgetown Church of Christ in Georgetown, Texas, the same location as for Olga.

On hand for the service were the Patriot Guard Riders who formed lines of American flags under the portico to welcome the arriving family and friends, and to honor a fallen member of the greatest generation.

MSG Sylvester Smeltzer was later laid to rest, nest to Olga, at Cook Walden Capital Parks Cemetery in Pflugerville, Texas, where he was honored with full military honors.

Left to cherish their precious memories are their three daughters and their spouses, four grand children, two great-grandchildren and numerous other dear family and friends.

The family suggests that memorial contributions be made in Sy's honor to the Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org.

With thanks to Cook-Walden Davis Funeral Home for biographical information and images.