Obituary for Almina Rose Smock

Almina Rose Smock, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, died Friday April 8, 2022 surrounded by her loving family at the home of her son, Michael.

Almina was born May 9, 1934 in Staten Island, New York, to parents John and Germana Zerilli. She was preceded in death by her sister, Lucille.

Since 1961, Almina and her family made their home in Westerville, Ohio. Throughout her life, Almina greatly impacted the community with her love and involvement in numerous civic, school and church organizations. She founded Paul’s Pantry in 1972, which continues to operate as the Westerville Area Resource Ministry (W.A.R.M.). Today W.A.R.M. serves over 400,000 meals annually and strives to serve those in need within its 52 square mile district. She was a life-long member of the Catholic Church and since 1961 was a member of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Westerville. She served the church in many ways, including as president of the Parish Council and Altar Rosary Society.

Volunteering to support her community and create a safe environment for children was a hallmark of Almina’s life. In her neighborhood, Huber Ridge, she was instrumental in raising funds for traffic lights near Huber Ridge Elementary School and for the construction of Ridgewood Park on Buenos Aires Blvd. She served as president of the PTA, was active in scouting organizations at all levels, The Twin’s Club, Indian Guides, and teaching Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) At St. Paul’s Church. Almina set an example to everyone to make a difference with a loving heart through hard work and active participation in the community.

Almina loved the commotion of her large family of 6 children, their spouses, friends, grand-children and great grand-children. She worked all year to make Christmas Eve special and more wonderful each passing year. Almina made a special effort to teach the story of Christ’s birth to the youngest and newest members of the family each year. The true meaning of Christmas was the driving force in her life and her unique way of imparting that meaning to those around her will be her most enduring legacy.

Almina was preceded in death by her beloved son, Mark. She is survived by her sons, Paul, Raymond, Michael, Peter and daughter, Elisa as well as Sons-in-law David and Felix, and Daughters-in-law Deborah, Carla, and Kelly with numerous grand-children, great grand-children, cousins and dear friends.

Services will be held Wednesday April 13 th at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church 313 N. State St. Westerville Ohio 43082. Visitation will begin in the parlor at 9:30 AM, Mass at 10:30, with luncheon following. There will be a funeral procession from the church to Blendon Central Cemetery 6300 S. Hempstead Rd. Westerville, Oh 43081. Graveside service begins at 1:30 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Westerville Area Resource Ministry (W.A.R.M.) in Almina’s name at warmwesterville.org/donate