George J. "Nick" Smichnick

George Joseph "Nick" Smichnick was born December 1, 1935, passed away on June 4, 2025. Nick was the son of the late Joseph and Gladys Smichnick of Monongahela, Pa.

As a young sailor he was single Dad to his three young children. He specialized in Aviation Ordinance aboard numerous aircraft carriers before meeting the love of his life of 56 years, Carol Jean. They married in Feb 1969, adding her two children to the family. He retired from the Navy after 20+ years of service in 1976 and went to work in Civil Service for the Dept of Defense as an Aeronautical sheet metal worker on his beloved F-14 Tomcat jets. He worked full time, raising his family and later attended college at night at Tidewater Community College achieving an Associate’s degree. He became an Aeronautical Engineering Technician serving at NARF/NAS Norfolk, Va.

The couple adopted each other's children and raised them in Va Beach, Va and Gibbs Woods, NC before moving to NAS JAX in FL, in 1995, as part of the BRAC base closures. Nick and Carol raised their five children then relocated to Florida after adopting their two young, toddler granddaughters and raised them in Middleburg, FL. He retired from Civil service at age 78, in 2014 giving an additional 38 years of service to his country.

Nick's life symbolized the absolute definition of God, family and country. He is survived by his 7 children, Ed Smichnick of Middleburg, FL, Donna Humberson of Fernandina Beach, FL, Darell Smichnick (Lisa) of Gibbs Woods, NC, Donald Smichnick (Kim) of Moyock, NC, Sharon Gibson (Jim) of Middleburg, FL, Rachel Tyler of Nampa, Idaho, and Emily Gangemi of Middleburg, FL. He is survived by an additional 7 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

Nick had a dry wit and sense of humor. He was a jack of all trades and could fix anything with a motor in his day as well as do plumbing, electrical, fabrication or whatever needed to be done. He won numerous safety and innovation awards during his time of service. He wanted his children and grandchildren to be happy and succeed in life and was always a support, role model and mentor to that end. Nick was always busy and loved to "tinker" in the yard, garage or with the beloved restoration of his decommissioned F-14 displayed at Heritage Park NAS JAX. He loved family photos and making photo albums. Everyone had the "pleasure" of spending hours with Dad looking at the family photo books and the step-by-step recreation of his F14 aircraft. He loved his family, fishing, his home and worked tirelessly for years providing for his wife and family. He was loved and will be missed.

A memorial service in Nick's honor will be held on Friday, June 20, 2025 at 11:00AM in the Broadus-Raines Chapel. Guests are welcome to arrive starting at 10:30AM. 501 Spring St. Green Cove Springs, FL 32043.