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Rick "Coach" Smoliak
71, of Tequesta, Florida passed away suddenly on February 25, 2014.
Rick was a talented athlete with a passion for sports. In 1964, he was drafted to play baseball for the New York Mets. He went on to earn his Bachelor's Degree in Education from the University of Minnesota, where he also played ice hockey. Rick later received his Master's Degree from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. He was the Athletic Director and Head Baseball Coach at Stony Brook University on Long Island before taking on the same roles at Northwood University in West Palm Beach. Rick also was an avid tennis player and pro, teaching lessons throughout his whole life.
Rick was a true family man and will be missed by his loving wife of 33 years, Barbara; his children Sheri, Sandy, Scott, A.J. and Brittany; six grandchildren Justin, Dillon, Jessica, Julia, Lucas and Jacob; three sons-in-law Keith, Roger, and Dennis; daughter-in-law Sam; sister-in-law Linda; niece Meredith and her husband Luther, nephew Jason, and niece Mary. He will also be missed by his coaching fraternity, current players, and countless alumni, all of whom meant the world to him.
A visitation will be held on Friday, February 28th from 5-8 PM, Aycock-Riverside Funeral and Cremation Center, 1112 Military Trail, Jupiter. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Jude Catholic Church, 204 US Highway 1, Tequesta. Entombment will be at Fernhill Memorial Gardens in Stuart, Florida.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
March 4, 2014
Cindy Noel
Dear Barbara,
Our family was deeply sorry to hear of Rick's passing. It has been a lot of years since our days in Jupiter but we think of you often. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
Tony and Cindy Noel
March 1, 2014
The Chavez Family
Coach, "thank you" from the Chavez for giving my son Kyle a spot on your team. You will be missed. Prayers to your family.
March 1, 2014
Bill Ianniciello
It is with great sadness that I learned of the passing of Coach Smoliak. Rick gave me the opportunity to play college ball at Stony Brook University -- then the Stony Brook Patriots, now the Seawolves. When I was in touch with Rick recently, I kidded him about taking the Seahawks name at Northwood because Seawolves was already taken. I was fortunate to learn a great deal from Coach about baseball and life. On behalf of my Stony Brook teammates and my wife, Joyce, condolences to the Smoliak family and the Northwood Baseball family.
February 28, 2014
Our deepest sympathy to the Smoliak family....coach recruited my son out of Seminole state in May 2012.....my husband and son went to meet with coach ......upon arriving home that weekend I asked " how's the coach" both replied " what a nice guy" my son Anthony was impressed with his old school coaching mentality and his baseball knowledge ....coach was equally impressed with anthony's knowledge of the game and his ability.....it didn't take Anthony long to make his decision of continuing his college level of playing with coach smoliak at Northwood....coach thank you for beleiving in our son and giving him the opportunity to continue his college baseball career......a class act on the baseball field!!!! May you RIP...the Seblano family!!!
February 28, 2014
Lisa Tyler
Barbara and Sheri, Sandy, Scott, A.J. and Brittany -Your dad touched our lives when he coached our son for four years at Northwood University. He guided him and helped him become a great young man. We will forever be grateful. God Bless and Rest in Peace Coach. The Tyler Family
February 28, 2014
Ave Maria University Baseball
Smoliak family, the Ave Maria Baseball team sends its deepest sympathies on the loss of Coach Smoliak. He was a fun person to be around and always had a classic one liner.
Ave Maria University Baseball
February 28, 2014
greg scott
To Rick's family,
we first met him when our boys were in Gardens rec league sports starting about 20 years ago and he was working with Gardens Rec Dept. during those years I came to consider him a friend and the "small world" connection with my former law partner Ken Marra whom he coached at Stony Brook made it even more special. I followed his career at Northwood, even seeing him at some their events. having grown up in a sports-daffy family with a grandpa who was longtime basketball coach, I think he has epitomized all the very best within the definition of "coach". our complete sympathies for your loss and rest in peace, Rick.
February 28, 2014
Patty Wiemann
Sandy,
I am very sorry to learn of the passing of your father. I hope you find comfort in your family and friends.
Take care.
February 28, 2014
Maryann Duffy-Theoret
Barbara and Family. We just heard this afternoon that my Cousin Rick had passed away. My Dad (Tom Duffy) and rest of us are sending prayers your way. Rick was very special and we do remember all the good times when we were younger growing up. May he rest in peace.
February 28, 2014
Ty Brewer
Coach Smoliak was a great man. He loved his family, friends, and players.He had a great passion for sports, and used his coaching abilities to transform hundreds of young people he coached. He did things the right way, with honor and integrity. I am very thankful for all of the moments I shared with Coach Smoliak as he was my Athletic Director for over 12 years. He was a mentor, a leader, but most of all a friend. What sticks with me most was Coach Smoliak's love for his family. He was so very proud of his kids and grand kids, and he loved his wife dearly. The impact this man had on so many people cannot be expressed in words....Coach, Thank you for everything. Thank you for believing in me when others didn't, for supporting me when others wouldn't, and for teaching me when others thought I couldn't be taught. Thank you Coach!
February 28, 2014
Josh Blanchard
To the Smoliak Family:
What a gream man Mr.Smoliak was, the lives that he touched will go on for generations. God Bless.
The Blanchard Family
February 28, 2014
Bill Sudeith
May God bless your entire family during this difficult time. I haven't seen Rick since High School. He spent his life in sports and with a loving family. It doesn't get much better.
Bill Sudeith
February 27, 2014
Henrietta McBee
On behalf of our family (all of which were students of the best tennis coach ever - "Coach Rick"), we are extremely sad and sorry to hear of your loss. Our deepest sympathy and prayers to the entire Smoliak Family.
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
God bless you and yours,
Henrietta, Keith, Lillian, Alec, Julia, & Marie Giselle McBee
February 27, 2014
Shari Lucky
We are so sorry for your loss. May God Bless you during this most difficult time. I pray that all of your wonderful memories will bring you comfort. Much Love, The Lucky Family
February 27, 2014
So sorry to hear of Rick's passing. Our deepest sympathy goes to the whole Smoliak family. Rich &Jane Waltz
February 27, 2014
Bob Busch
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
February 27, 2014
Pam and Darrington Held
Thank you, Rick for being such a great, kind, funny and awesome smiling friend to our family! Always a smile, joke and encouraging word for my little man! Someone so special taken so sudden, forever in our hearts. Our deepest heatrfelt prayers to the entire Smoliak family.
February 27, 2014
Our deepest sympathy to the entire Smoliak family.
Rick was a longtime neighbor and our tennis coach. He truly deserved the nickname "Coach"...and he will be deeply missed.
Phil and Jan Miller
February 27, 2014
Debbie Welch
So sorry for your loss...you are all in my prayers.
February 27, 2014
Anthony Lawrence
My condolances to the Smoliak Family. Coach gave me the oppurtunity to go out and do what i love everyday. I couldn't thank him enough for what he did for me. He was a great man.
February 27, 2014
Kent Bottenfield
My prayers for God's peace to the family during this time. Coach was a great encouragement to me as a new college coach in the area three years ago. He certainly knew the game of baseball, but even more than that how to treat people. I will miss our conversations and trying to outsmart him from the other dugout. May his legacy move forward and continue to make a difference.
February 27, 2014
Thoughts and prayers to Rick's family and friends. Bill Long Cretin "61
February 27, 2014
My best to Rick's family and friends.
Denis J LaComb
February 27, 2014
Ryan Erlacher
My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Smoliak family. Coach was a wonderful person and someone I looked up to. He was one of the nicest guys I had ever met and I was proud to call him my friend. He touched the lives of many people and will be deeply missed.
February 27, 2014
Deepest condolences to the Smoliak family.
Pat McLaughlin
Cretin High School-Class of 1961
February 27, 2014
Kurt Jahnke
Very sorry for your loss, He was a wonderful person to know, I was very fortunate to have known him over the last 25 yrs. Palm Beach County has lost a great Mentor and Coach!
February 27, 2014
Paul King
Scott and family, Denise and I are deeply saddened by your Father's passing. May you find peace in the fact that your Dad touched so many in such a positive way.God bless.
February 27, 2014
Susan Duncan
To Sandy and your family: My heartfelt sympathy to you and yours as you remember your dad's life and good works.
Susan Duncan, The Benjamin School
February 27, 2014
Robin Hilgenberg
The Hilgenberg's thoughts are with you during this time of sorrow. We know that Curt looked to you as a coach and father. Scott loved being able to throw BP and getting to know you and the team better. Thanks for the opportunity you have given all of us in the baseball world. We will miss you! The Hilgenberg Family
February 27, 2014
Jorge Perez
I am very saddened with Coach Smoliak's passing. I got to know him as a person in the last three years. A wonderful man with a huge heart. I had the utmost respect for him. He will be missed. God bless his family and close friends
February 27, 2014
mike uditsky
from mike uditsky rick will be missed by all
February 27, 2014
Julie Osenton
Our deepest sympathies to the family of Coach Smoliak, his friends and the Northwood Baseball Program. Coach Smoliak helped our son achieve his dream of playing college baseball by offering him a scholarship to play at Northwood. He was a coach that believed in his players and loved the game so much. Our son Ryan, aka Patches, had fun playing for him and always joking with him. He will be missed but he had an influence on these boys that will stay with them a lifetime. Thank you Coach for your dedication to all these young men, encouraging them to get their degrees, and seeing life after baseball. I pray you somehow know the impact you had on your players lives, both on the field and off.……May God surround your family with peace and comfort in these days ahead. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the family and your current players as I know this is very hard on them. Rest in Peace Coach, you will be missed but never forgotten……….
February 27, 2014
Jim Boghos
Smoliak Family, we are thinking of you and praying for your strength. Heartbroken are we also. The baseball community lost a great one. A great man and a great coach. It was an honor to have him at our camps. I will miss him.
February 26, 2014
Annette Shapiro
Prayers to Barbara and family. I know he was well loved and shall be greatly missed. I guess God needed another baseball coach/angel/mentor for His team. Prayers and love.
February 26, 2014
Hector Burgos
I was truly saddened by the surprising and shocking news that coach smoliak had passed. I want to send my condolences to his family, colleagues, players, and everyone who had coach in their hearts.
Thank you coach for giving me the opportunity to play collegiate baseball, you will be truly missed!
February 26, 2014
Chad Miller
Rest in Peace Coach Smoliak. I always looked forward to bringing our team to Northwood for games and having great conversation about baseball, family, and life in general with you. You are a true professional and we will miss you greatly. Thoughts and prayers are with the Smoliak family, Northwood University and the baseball team during this difficult time.
February 26, 2014
Tom Addington
The 1964 Salinas Mets teammates send deepest sympathy; especially those who plan to attend the 50 year reunion will sadly miss him. Today and
in the days ahead Rick and his family will be in our thoughts as we pray
for strength and healing.
February 26, 2014
Ivette Santana-Noto
I am so saddened by the loss of Rick Smoliak, I often said he was one of my favorite people. I am so fortunate to have known him for many years and learned so much from his professional and positive attitude. I will miss him greatly and Northwood will never be the same without Coach Smoliak. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
February 26, 2014
Kim Rivera
Every week for the past several years I would meet Coach Rick for a tennis lesson. Besides being an excellent coach, Rick was an amazing listener, advisor and great friend. The entire Rivera family was blessed to have had him as a tennis coach at some point in our lives and we are honored to have known him. Our deepest sympathy to his family on his untimely passing. We can only believe that God needed to recruit the very best to coach his team in heaven. Kim, John and Jackie Rivera
February 26, 2014
Shelia J Clarke
My prayers go out to Coach Smoliak's family. I worked with Rick for over five years. I can say every encounter with him was pleasant. Coach cared about the academic success of his players. I will miss Coach Smoliak.
February 26, 2014
Emily Mass
I am heart broken to learn the news of Coach Smoliak's passing. He was a mentor, a friend, a father figure to myself and many at Northwood University. He was my supervisor for many years at the University where he taught me professionalism and to always chase your dreams. He opened up many doors for me and allowed me to grow in my career. We always shared many conversations and photos about our growing families. My prayers go out to his wonderful family.
February 26, 2014
John Haynie
Our deepest sympathies go out to Rick's family and friends. We worked together for nearly 10 years at Northwood, and Rick was one of the happiest and most upbeat of friends. He offered helpful advice to hundreds of students over the years, and each benefited from his kindness and encouragement. This is an untimely loss, but Rick's positive influence will be felt for decades to come.
February 26, 2014
Lisa Prue
Coach Smoliak meant so much to his players. It was heartbreaking to see the sadness on their faces yesterday. Their obvious love and affection for him is a tribute to the caring man he was. He will be missed by students, faculty and staff. My condolences to his entire family.
February 26, 2014
Ryan Osenton
Thank you for everything, coach. The impact you had on my life and countless others is one that cannot be put into words. You gave me an opportunity to live out my dream of playing baseball and for that I will always be grateful. You were a good coach and an even better person. You will be deeply missed.
February 26, 2014
Mike Lee
Coach Smoliak will be missed by his coaching brethren. He was a great part of TSC Baseball, and we are thankful for his contributions.
Mike Lee
Thomas University
February 26, 2014
Randy Stegall
I was shocked to hear the news about Coach Smoliak. He was always in good spirits and fun to be around. He talked about his family all the time. He will be missed. Thoughts go out to the Smoliak family, Northwood University and in particular the Northwood baseball team.
February 26, 2014
Debbie Welch
My deepest sympathies to the whole family. I am so very sorry for your loss. Prayers and love to you all.
February 25, 2014
Logan Harrington
My prayers go out to Rick and his family! The world lost a great man. Never forget you SLAPSHOT!
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Aycock-Riverside Funeral and Cremation Center - Jupiter1112 Military Trail, Jupiter, FL 33458
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Aycock-Riverside Funeral and Cremation Center - Jupiter1112 Military Trail, Jupiter, FL 33458
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