Steve Anthony Smolcich

Steve Anthony Smolcich Sr., 85, of Biloxi, died at home on Friday. He was born to the late Joseph and Frances Smolcich, on October 1, 1927. He married Patricia “Pat” Wilson, also of Biloxi. They were married for 63 years. Mr. Smolcich served in the Merchant Marines, in the Atlantic, during World War II and was honorably discharged from the Navy after serving in the Pacific. During his time in the Pacific he witnessed the nuclear bomb tests in the Bikini Atolls aboard the USS Fieberling DE-640. After returning from the war he worked in the family business at the Roxy Theater and later at Ingalls Shipbuilding. He worked at the U.S. Post Office for 32 years and retired in 1991. This past October Mr. Smolcich enjoyed a trip to Washington, D.C. with other World War II veterans, which was provided by the Mississippi Gulf Coast Honor Flight. He was an avid boater, fisherman, and longtime member of the Slavonian Benevolent Association and the Elks B.P.O.E.. Mr. Smolcich was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers Joseph Smolcich, Vincent Smolcich, Sam Smolcich, and Anthony Smolcich. He is survived by two sisters, Matilda Barry and Melrita Raesner and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife, Pat, Mr. Smolcich is survived by his son, Steve Smolcich, Jr. and wife Bridget Orrell Smolcich; granddaughter, Shelley Smolcich McManaman and husband Leonard McManaman; grandson Scott Steven Smolcich and wife Jennifer Harper Smolcich; and three great grandchildren, Chase McManaman, Paige McManaman, and Madison Smolcich. The family would like to thank Home Instead and Singing River Hospice for their respectful, loving care. In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to Singing River Health System, Hospice of Light. Visitation will be at the Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, on Monday, July 15, 2013 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. A Rosary will be recited at 7:00. There will also be a visitation at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, on Tuesday, July 16, 2013 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00. Interment will be at Southern Memorial Park.