IRENE SMART

Judge Irene Balogh Smart died peacefully, surrounded by her family on May 3, 2017. She was born in Cleveland, Ohio on March 24, 1921, the daughter of the late John and Elizabeth (Szesak) Balogh. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Charles E. Smart and a daughter, Mary Smart. She is survived by her son, Dr. Charles E. Smart, Jr., a daughter, Judge Jennifer Smart Sargus (Edmund) and three grandsons, David E. Radebaugh, Edmund C. Sargus and Christopher A. Sargus.

Judge Smart was a graduate of Wittenberg University. She also received a degree in physical therapy from Harvard University and a law degree from the William McKinley School of Law. Judge Smart had a long and illustrious career in law and government. She was first elected to the Canton, Ohio City Council in 1959, where she served for thirteen years. In 1972, she was elected to the Ohio House of Representatives and served until elected to the Canton Municipal Court in 1977, where she served for seven years. In 1984, she was elected to the Stark County Court of Common Pleas and served until she was elected to the Ohio Court of Appeals in 1988. She retired from the bench in 1994.

Judge Smart was a wonderful mother and grandmother, a talented violinist and a skilled artist. She was a member of the Christ Presbyterian Church, in Canton, Ohio. The family has arranged for a private service. Condolences may be sent to: www.gordon funeralhomes.com.