YOUNGSTOWN – A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, March 14, 2016 at Our Lady of Sorrows Parish at St. Matthias Church with Fr. Carl Kish celebrating and Fr. Martin Celuch concelebrating for Robert C. "Spree" Smrecansky, 79, who passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 9, 2016 after a long battle with chronic heart and kidney disease.

Bob was born July 7, 1936 and raised in Lansingville, Ohio. He was a lifelong member of St. Matthias Church where he was a former choir member and commentator. He was a long time member of the Holy Name Society, finance committee and coached the boys' basketball team for many years. In addition, he was a member of the Woodrow Wilson High School Booster and Quarterback Clubs.

He leaves behind his five sons, Cyril, Denny (Mary Beth), John, Keith (Barb), Kevin (Kim), a brother John and sister Ceil; 12 grandchildren, two great grandchildren, as well as, many nieces, nephews, goddaughters and godsons. Bob also leaves behind his companion of 20 years, Dorothy Hock, daughter Debbie, two grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Bob is preceded in death by his wife Patricia (Hertz) who passed in 1994, his parents John and Anna, brothers Joe and Frank, and sisters Ann Hessler and Mary Repaskey.

Bob worked for Remington Shaver for many years until he became co-owner of D&S Diamond Specialist for nearly 25 years. He was also co-owner of Cyril Roberts Jewelry Store until his retirement a few years ago.

He played for the Del Sinchak Band for over 60 years and was the drummer on three Grammy nominated Polka Albums of the Year. Bob "Spree", was awarded "Polka Pal of the Year", in 2015. He was very well known as one of the best drummers in the Tri-State area.

Bob "Spree" will be sadly missed by his family and friends. We all would love to hear him bang on the drums one more time and give a yell for his favorite music~ POLKAS!

The family is requesting that those attending calling hours please wear something from one of Bob's favorite sports teams including Notre Dame, Cleveland Cavaliers, Indians or Browns or your favorite sports team~ which would put "that smile" on his face.

Bob's family would like to thank the St. Elizabeth's Boardman Hospital Select Specialty staff for their care and kindness during Bob's final days.

The family has entrusted the care of Robert to the Kubina Yuhasz Wasko Funeral Home and will receive family and friends on Sunday afternoon from 2:00 PM-5:00 PM at the funeral home, 5925 Market St, Boardman, Ohio 44512, and again on Monday morning from 9:00 AM to 9:50 AM at St. Matthias Church.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions take form of a donation to St. Matthias Church or to your favorite charity in Bob's name.