Fortified with the sacraments of Holy Mother Church Saturday, January 29, 2022. Beloved husband of the late Linda Smugala; loving father of Stacy (Kevin) Duffy and Rebecca (Dean) Plocher; cherished grandfather of Nora and Jillian Duffy, Owen and Stella Plocher; dear son of the late Vincent and Clara Smugala; dear brother of Marcella (the late Charles) Jurkowski, and the late Edward (surviving Mary) Smugala and the late Eugene (surviving Frances) Smugala; our dearest uncle, great uncle, cousin and friend to many.
Vince served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Hunley. He retired from the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department as a Sergeant after 36 years of loyal service. Vince was a devout Catholic and family man who cherished his daughters and grandchildren.
SERVICES: Funeral from Kutis Affton Chapel, 10151 Gravois Rd., Saturday, February 5, 9:30 am to St. Agatha Catholic Church for 10:30 AM mass. Interment Shepherd Hills Cemetery (Barnhart, Missouri). In lieu of flowers, Masses preferred or contributions may be made to the charity of your choice. Visitation Friday 3 – 8 p.m.
My condolences to the Smugala family. Vince was a great man. He helped me along as a young policeman and then as a Sergeant. I never passed up an opportunity to talk to him because I never knew what was coming next. You will be missed my friend. Godspeed, Sir. Until we meet again.
Our deepest sympathies and prayers. Vince will be missed dearly.
Thanks for your friendship Vince. We had a great time working and being the first of many others to be a part of the first SLMPD boxing team! The Guns n’ Hoses has grown by leaps and bounds! I’ll see you again someday and we will tilt a beer! RIP my friend
Sorry for your loss vince was a great person always enjoyed hanging out with him
Sorry for your loss. Keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Marcella and Mary and your families, so sorry to hear of Vince’s passing. I remember him best when he and your family would come out to the country and visit the farms. We were young then!! He was a great guy. May he rest in Peace.
Dorothy (Niedbalski) Melching
Oakville, MO.
Deepest Sympathies from the St. Louis Police Officers Association. Rest easy Sarge.
So ver sorry folks. I have fond memories of Vince
“Thank you for being a friend”
Thank you for bringing us closer to the Lord.
Thank you for introducing us to The Passion of the Lord by St. Bridget.
You had 3yrs to go. I honestly thought you’d make it. But I guess you can continue to meditate on it in heaven from a new perspective. Please continue to remember us in your prayers. Lovingly, Tammy & Neal
Please accept our condolences and prayers at the loss of your father, grandfather, uncle and friend.
Vincent will be surely missed by our family. He was a great guy and it was a pleasure to have him as our friend. Our prayers are with him and your family May he rest in peace in the arms of Our Lady whom he was devoted to. God bless you all.
My sincere sympathies to Rebecca, Dean, Owen, Stella, and the entire Smugala family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
DEAREST STACY & REBECCA:
Without a doubt, your Dad was “one of the best”. He is truly in the HALL OF FAME for FATHERS. He worked so very hard for his Family and building a home of love. He also served our Country in the US Navy, the people of the United States working in the 3rd District of the St. Louis City Policy Force; & his Family. He loved dogs. He was the greatest Polish Ambassador in his stunning Black Tuxedo to sit next to the Polish Dignitary at the infamous Dinner; and…. speak fluent speak Polish to him during the most elegant Dinner celebration. He served his Nation, his hometown, St. Agatha and so many others that the list goes on and on. What he loved serving the most was his God and his Daughters and Grandchildren. He stated his one wish was to be able to watch his Grandchildren grow. I know, without a doubt, he will be doing this from Heaven. He was (in my opinion) more talented than Elvis. He could play the Guitar along with other instruments. He served in the Navy. He was a professional Barber. He was a courageous Sargeant of the Police Force. He was an amazing Grandfather. And, I must say any conversation I had with him consisted of his focus on each of his Daughters & their Husbands as well as Grandchildren. He could not be prouder. I could go on and on, however, I will close as follows. I know he would say: Our greatest glory is not in ever falling, however, in getting up every time we do. Every exit is an entry somewhere. Wherever you go, go with ALL your heart”. Of course, like my Father/His Brother, he had more to say, however allow your thoughts to fill those blanks with your memories.
All My Love, Karen J. Smugala
Niece, Friend, Prayer Partner
Vince was a special man! A great husband, father, grandfather and cop!! He will be missed by all. I have many memories of him and family in their younger years, all good! My deepest sympathy to Stacy and Rebecca Remember all the good times RIP pal!!
Rebecca and Dean: I just learned of your loss and am so sorry to hear that. I had the pleasure to meet Vince at several events and am so happy that I had the opportunity to do so. Again, I am sorry for your loss and offer my thoughts and prayers.
Stacy and Rebecca,
I am so very sorry for your loss. You father was always so kind and sweet. He had a smile on his face every time I saw him. He loved it when we had the garage sale at his house. He couldn’t have been happier helping us with all of our mess! I will miss him and know that he is with your mother again. He cherished you both so much! I love you two and you are in my heart and prayers today and always!! Kym
Sorry to hear about Vince’s passing. He is missed and leaves behind fond memories.