John Carsten Smeland

John Carsten Smeland. 80

Brunswick John Carsten Smeland. 80, passed away on July 15,2005 after a brief illness.

Born in Brooklyn, November 7, 1924, he was the son of the late Nils Smeland and Clara (Lund) Smeland of Norway and predeceased by his beloved wife of 57 years, Doris Bell Smeland.

He was raised in Poestenkill and was a graduate of Troy High School.

Mr. Smeland served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, participated in the Allied landings at Normandy, France, and trained with the Scouts & Raiders (precursor to the Navy SEALS) in Ft.Pearce, FL, specializing in underwater demolition.

He was a member of the Troy Carpenter's Union and became a construction superintendent of note in the area, working for MacFarland Construction in Albany and Vappi of Boston, among others.

He was an active member of the Sullivan-Jones VFW Post # 7466, Poestenkill, and served as Post Commander and was an avid outdoorsman and gardener.

Survivors include three daughters, Patricia Connell, Konnie Smeland and June Marx; a son-in-law, Peter B. Marx; five grandchildren, Khristopher J. Fitzgerald (Shannon), Courtney L. Antonucci (Marc), Alexis I. Pember (John), Adam P. Marx, and Brian E. Marx; two great-grandchildren Jack R Fitzgerald and Allie I. Pember; a brother Robert Smeland of Utica and two nieces and a nephew. He was predeceased by a brother, Henry Smeland.

Funeral service will be held Wednesday at 11:00 AM at the Bryce Funeral Home Inc. 276 Pawling Avenue Troy with Rev. Michael Crandall, officiating. Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home Tuesday from 4-8 PM. Interment Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in West Sand Lake.

Contributions may be made in memory of Mr. Smeland to The Community Hospice of Rensselaer County 295 Valley View Boulevard Rensselaer, NY 12144.

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