Stephen Vincent Smigocki died peacefully with his family by his side on Friday, December 27, 2024. He was born on November 20, 1942 in Washington, D.C. to Vincent and Erma Smigocki. The eldest of five boys, he attended Montgomery Blair High School in Silver Spring, Maryland. Stephen graduated with a B.A. in Art from the University of Maryland in 1964, earned a master's degree in Fine Arts in 1968, and completed his academic accomplishments with a Ph.D. in Visual Studies from Florida State University in 1974.

Stephen began teaching at Fairmont State College (now Fairmont State University) as an Art Professor in 1972, where he quickly became the heart of a remarkable community of colleagues and students who shared his passion for creativity and learning. He was known for his wit, charm, and an unmatched ability to make art history lectures feel like story time. Stephen was also the anonymous campus commentator known as Squanto, whose witty and insightful memos turned him into a cherished campus enigma. When his identity was finally revealed, his colleagues were astonished—not only by the brilliance of his commentary but also because it came from someone so quiet and unassuming.

His career was a masterpiece in its own right. Over the years, he participated in numerous art exhibitions, conducted research, and was honored with awards that reflected his dedication and talent. Some of his notable accomplishments included one-man shows at Fairmont State in 1972 and 2004, the Wheaton College Drawing Exhibition in 1974, and a two-man show at Wolfe Street Gallery in Alexandria, Va., in 1976. His work also found homes in prestigious collections, including the permanent collection of former West Virginia Gov. Gaston Caperton and the Ringling Museum in Sarasota, Fla. With his usual humble self, Stephen rarely mentioned any of these awards.

Stephen's talent and dedication earned him accolades at regional exhibitions like Appalachian Corridors and the West Virginia Juried Exhibition. His adventurous spirit led him across the globe, including an 11-day study trip to Lithuania in 2000, courtesy of a Faculty Development Grant, and a lecture and exhibit of prints at the Lithuanian Embassy in Washington, D.C. He was honored to be invited to exhibit at the National Show Ciurlionis in Chicago—a crowning moment in a career filled with unforgettable highlights.

Through it all, Stephen's humility, humor, and passion for art and music remained unwavering. For him, each exhibition, award, and achievement was another chance to connect with people, share stories, and inspire creativity in everyone he met.

A long-time music fan, Stephen began taking violin lessons at the age of six. He loved playing his mandolin weekly with the Kennedy Barn String Band at the Fairmont State Folklife Center and staying up too late to watch Austin City Limits. He was a proud Board Member of the Fairmont Chamber Music Society. Stephen was also a life-long stamp collector, proudly passing on his "stamp empire" to his grandson Aleksandr—along with the solemn responsibility of keeping the mail interesting. As a lover of nature, he found beauty in life's simple moments and never met a butterfly he didn't love or a backyard critter he didn't root for. As a prolific artist, Stephen always encouraged his daughters to color outside the lines—even if it meant turning the dining table into their canvas. His grandson Liev summed him up best in a school essay: "My grandpa is my hero because he showed me that no matter the situation, no matter how hard life can get, you can always take that and use it to improve yourself and help others."

We couldn't have asked for a better husband, parent, grandparent or brother, and we will miss him dearly every day. Stephen, a beacon of unwavering friendship and kindness, has left an indelible mark on the hearts of everyone who was fortunate enough to know him. His memory will live on in the hearts of all of those who loved him.

Stephen's absence leaves a void that can't be filled (though he'd probably suggest some tasteful abstract art as a solution). His spirit is carried on by his wife of 56 years, Nancy, his two daughters Tanya and Caroline (Yefim) and two grandchildren Aleksandr and Liev Pipko. He is further survived by his brothers Timothy (Phyllis) and Damian (Debbie), uncle to Chris (Rhiannon) Smigocki, Dana (Jeff) Stander, Erin (Martin) Hanhauser, Kellie (Tim) Hall and Patrick (Susan) Smigocki, Katherine (Chase) Auleta Vandervalk, and an extended family of lifelong friends who will forever be inspired by his legacy of laughter, creativity, and kindness. Stephen was preceded in death by his parents, Erma and Vincent, and two brothers, Alan and Dean.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Michael Schroering for his years of exceptional medical care and friendship, as well as to Derek Falkenstein, DPT, and Misty Streets, whose attentive support, positivity, and love made Stephen's final months both comfortable and fulfilling.

A service celebrating Stephen's life will be announced at a later date for family and friends to join together and remember a life that was truly a gift to us all.

In lieu of flowers and to honor his lifelong commitment and belief in the power of education, donations may be made in his memory to the Fairmont State University Father Jude Molnar Student Emergency Fund, 1300 Locust Avenue, Fairmont, WV 26554 via mail or online at https://www.fsufoundation.org/give-online.html.

Arrangements are under the care of Ross Funeral Home 801 Fairmont Avenue Fairmont.

Condolences can be sent to the family at www.rossfh.com.