Victor Smodilla

Victor (Vic) Conrad Smodilla, aka “The Best Dad in the World”, peacefully left this earth on October 12, 2018 at the age of 95. Victor is survived by his children Tim (Tracy) Smodilla and Suzanne Martin. He will be fondly remembered by grandchildren Brian Holtorff, granddaughter Michelle (David) Dean, great-grandsons Jonathan and Charlie, niece Janice Miller and nephew Alan Smodilla, many great-nieces and nephews, brother-in-law Harry Martin and missed by grand-dog, River. Victor was born February 14, 1923 in West Frankfort, IL, the 2nd and youngest son of immigrant parents John and Helen. Growing up in a coal-mining town during the depression impressed the value of hard, but honest work upon him. Following high school graduation, he served in FDR’s Civilian Conservation Corps planting trees and building bridges. Soon after, Vic enlisted in the US Army, serving with the Military Police in the Middle East, North Africa, India and Europe until December 1945. After WWII, he moved to Chicago and enrolled, along with his brother, in a Chicago school of beauty culture. There he met the love of his life, Millie who he married in 1948. Later, he and a partner formed the Cities Service Tuckpointing Company, tuckpointing and repairing some of the most iconic buildings in Chicago. Victor was also a proud member of Teamsters Local 710 working for the Jewel-Osco Company more than 30 years. Upon retirement, Victor enjoyed volunteering at Our Lady of the Resurrection Hospital. He enjoyed swimming, bike riding, gardening, the St. Monica’s Senior Club, watching sports and traveling, but mostly the time he spent with family and friends over a good meal and a lot of laughter. He was a friend to all who knew him and will be remembered for his kindness, humility, courage and compassion for others. Victor is preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Millicent (Martin), parents John and Helen and brother John. Visitation will be Sunday, October 14th from 3-8pm at Cumberland Chapels, 8300 W. Lawrence Ave, Norridge, IL 60706. Prayers will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, October 15th at the funeral home and will then proceed to St. Monica’s Roman Catholic Church, 5136 N. Nottingham, Chicago for Mass at 10:00 a.m.. Interment with military honors will follow at All Saints Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to Highland Oaks, 2750 West Highland Avenue, Elgin, IL 60124. For more information, 708-456-8300, or www.cumberlandchapels.com.