Robert Smigal

Robert (Bob) Joseph Smigal “Dziadek”, 82, of Tappahannock, Virginia, passed away on February 3, 2024, after his fifteen-year battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. Robert was born July 17, 1941, in Douglas, West Virgina. He was the son of Frank Joseph and Kathryn Elizabeth Smigal.

After his completion of high school, Bob enrolled at the University of Baltimore, and received his law degree in 1964. From 1964-1968, he was a social worker, private detective, and law clerk. Bob then started his lifelong career at State Farm Automobile Insurance company from 1968-2004, when he opted for early retirement. In 2016, he moved to Tappahannock, VA to retire. Unfortunately, his health kept him homebound, but he never lost that great smile!

A few of Bobs favorite hobbies included refinishing old furniture and antiques. He was also an expert on glass, carnival, and Vaseline pieces, and was an expert on color patterns. He also loved to collect everything Civil War, and his glass collection was “Magnificent.” He loved yard sales and junk shops. 

Bob became active in Alcoholics Anonymous in 1980. His desire to give back which lead him to becoming CEO of the Jude House, a facility in LaPlata, Maryland, that housed and treated those with addiction. He helped with lectures, presentations, individual and group counseling to help many achieve sobriety. Bob spent most of his life helping those with addiction, and remained sober for almost 45 years.

Bob’s first marriage to Sharon Ward produced two beautiful children, Daniel and Jennifer. Bob met Dorothy at her job and their love story tells itself. Married in 1990, she was faithfully at his side until the end. Micheal Fowler, his step-son also stayed 5 years to care for his “friend.”

Bob is preceded in death by his daughter, Robin Elizabeth Smigal; and his parents Frank J. Smigal and Kathryn E. Smigal.

Bob is survived by his wife Dorothy Elizabeth Smigal of Tappahannock, Va; sons, Michael B. Fowler of Tappahannock, VA; Daniel L. Smigal of Crownsville, MD; daughter, Jennifer Smigal of Highland, MD; grandchildren, Danica of Highland, MD, Katie of Highland, MD, Olivia of Crownsville, MD, Sarah of Crownsville, MD, and Benjamin of Crownsville, MD; his brother, Daniel Lee of Baltimore, MD, and lots of nieces and nephews that all made him proud.

 A memorial service will be held at a later date.