C.L. Smartt

C.L. (Claude) Smartt, 87, of Trumbull Township, Ohio, passed away peacefully at home on December 23, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born on January 6, 1938, in Manchester, Tennessee, C.L. was the beloved son of Claude & Jettie Pearl (Brandon) Smartt. C.L. was employed at General Electric, starting in his teens at Nela Park as a pinsetter in their bowling alley, then working the remainder of his career at GE's Willoughby Quartz Plant as a Furnace Operator. He received numerous awards for his service, retiring after 42 years. C.L. also worked part time briefly at the Mentor Harbor Yacht Club while at GE and while raising his family during his younger years. He loved nature and instilled his love for nature in his kids. You could always find him sitting outside in his lawn chair or puttering around in his organic garden, where he found great joy in sharing his harvest with others. He was a beekeeper and believed in the great importance of the preservation of bees. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and dropping a line locally at Pymatuning or Mosquito Lake. During his working years, he looked forward to annual fishing trips to Canada with his family and friends from General Electric. He was generous to a fault, always doing for others without fanfare, recognition, or a fuss. An honest and decent man. A man of few words, who said so much. He was greatly loved and will be greatly missed. C.L. is survived by his wife of 29 years, his children: Christine (John) Dowler, Laura (James) Minton, Daniel (Gwen) Smartt, two stepchildren, ten grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren, and sister, Joann Hord. He was preceded in death by his parents, his infant daughter Tammy, and seven siblings. A special thanks to Dr. Emily Cheich, Dr. George Hawwa, Dr. Anthony Rizzo, and Hospice for their exceptional care. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memorial Contributions can be made to SaveOhioBees.org or Hospice of the Western Reserve Ashtabula Chapter. Lake Erie Cremation & Funeral Services, 1500 Harpersfield Rd, Geneva, OH 44041, assisted the family with arrangements. www.LakeErieCrematory.com.

C.L. Smartt

January 6, 1938 - December 23, 2025