Robert J. "Rob" Smitek, 49, of Elyria passed away Friday, August 25, 2017 at University Hospital Elyria Medical Center after putting up a long fierce courageous battle with cancer. Through it all, Rob continued to have many goals he wanted to achieve in his life. He was born June 2, 1968, attended Elyria Catholic in Elyria and graduated from Avon High School and earned an Associates Degree in Nursing from LCCC. Rob enjoyed fishing, hunting, working on cars, great cook, trips to the Jersey Shore, and was an avid Pittsburgh Penguin fan. He loved to attend the annual St. Mary's turkey raffle. Rob was loved by everyone with a great sense of humor and was the life of the party and will be truly missed by all who knew him.. He was very caring and compassionate to all his patients as an RN in the Coronary Care and Intensive Care units of UH St. John Medical Center, for which he received numerous recognitions from the Hospital and patients. Rob became a licensed barber , building his own barbershop business. His customers came from all over just to visit or get their haircut or hear his jokes. Survivors include his daughters Kaycee and Abagail Smitek both of Elyria: parents Edward and Mary Belle Smitek (nee Howard) of Elyria; sister Regina Costantino of Elyria; former wife Cynthia (nee Vasko) of Elyria; special friend Tabitha Johnston of Ashtabula; nieces Courtney (Mark) Craig and Meghan Costantino; many cousins , aunts and uncles; godchildren Meghan Costantino, Meredith Flanagan, Steven, Matthew and Michael Vasko. Family will receive friends 5-8PM Tuesday, August 29,2017 at the Laubenthall-Mercado Funeral Home and Cremation Service 38475 Chestnut Ridge Rd. (at St. Rt. 57), Elyria 440-322-4626. Closing Paryers 9:30AM Wednesday August 30, 2017 in the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial 10AM at St. Vincent DePaul Catholic Church 41295 North Ridge Rd. Elyria,Ohio 44035. Rev. Fr. Donald H. Dunson pastor will be the celebrant. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery (Avon). Online condolences may be expressed at www.laubenthalmercado.com