The community of Youngstown, Ohio, is mourning the loss of David John Smercansky, a dedicated educator, coach, and lifelong baseball enthusiast.
David ‘Dave’ passed away on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at the age of 68, at Mercy Health St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital.
He succumbed to injuries from a recent auto accident, leaving behind a legacy deeply rooted in education, athletics, and community service.
Born on June 21, 1957, in Youngstown, David was the son of Frank T. Smercansky and Bertha Smercansky and grew up in Poland, Ohio, where his passion for sports began early.
David graduated from Poland Seminary High School in 1975, earning three varsity letters in baseball and serving as team captain his senior year.
As a standout pitcher, he compiled an impressive record that caught the eye of scouts.
He went on to attend Youngstown State University on a baseball scholarship from 1976 to 1979, where he continued to excel on the mound.
Some of his pitching records at YSU still stand today, a testament to his skill and determination.
After earning his bachelor’s degree in education and a master’s degree in secondary education from Youngstown State University, David embarked on a long and impactful career in teaching.
He spent over 35 years teaching high school government at Boardman High School, retiring in 2015. But his contributions went far beyond the classroom.
David served as the school’s athletic director and spent 12 seasons as the head baseball coach for Boardman.
His leadership helped shape countless young athletes, instilling in them the values of teamwork, discipline, and perseverance.
Even after retirement, David’s love for baseball never faded. He continued coaching at Westminster College and Eastern Gateway College, and he served as an assistant baseball coach at Poland High School for several years.
His playing days were equally remarkable. David competed in Class “B” and “AA” leagues, as well as Old Timers leagues, and he held the role of president for the Youngstown Old Timers Baseball League.
He was a regular participant in the Roy Hobbs World Series, playing for teams from Youngstown and Pittsburgh over the past 15 years, and he managed the Youngstown A2Z team for many seasons.
David’s achievements in baseball earned him widespread recognition. He was inducted into multiple halls of fame, including the Poland Athletic Hall of Fame, Youngstown State Athletic Hall of Fame, Boardman Athletic Hall of Fame, Curbstone Coaches’ Hall of Fame, and the Old Timers’ Baseball Hall of Fame.
He also received the prestigious Bob Feller Pitching Award at the Cleveland Indians Fantasy Camp, highlighting his enduring talent and passion for the game.
On a personal level, David shared a beautiful love story with his high school sweetheart, Mary Lynn. They married on July 4, 1981, and enjoyed 41 years together.
Mary Lynn was a devoted teacher at Springfield Local High School for 31 years and shared David’s enthusiasm for sports, cheering on the Cleveland Guardians, the Browns, and Ohio State football.
Tragically, Mary Lynn passed away on November 17, 2022, leaving David and their beloved dog, Sadie.
David was also a passionate dog lover, particularly fond of Irish Setters, often sheltering as many as three at a time.
His lifelong fandom extended to Youngstown State baseball and football, Ohio State football, and his favorite professional teams, the Cleveland Indians (now Guardians) and Browns.
Many People have Shared Tributes, showing the Deep Influence David had on their Lives.
The RH Baseball Dugout shared:
“Dave Smercansky passed away Thursday, succumbing to injuries from a recent auto accident. Dave, 68, had played in RHWS for the past 15 years with teams from Youngstown and Pittsburgh. He managed the Youngstown A2Z team for many years. A member of the University Sports Hall of Fame for his baseball exploits there, coached baseball at Westminster College in PA, was the President of the 50-plus Oldtimers Baseball League, and retired as the AD at Boardman High School. He was a lover of the game of baseball, but perhaps most of all, he was an ardent dog lover and treasured his relationship with his Irish Setters, sheltering as many as 3 at a time. Dave will be missed in many walks of life. Rest in peace Dave!”
Via Facebook
Brian Wright remembered him fondly:
John Donofrio added: “One of my best friends. I will miss him. Always ready to play baseball. Willing to help others. He always told me once a fogger always a fogger. Fogger forever.”
Via Facebook
John Donofrio added,
“One of my best friends. I will miss him. Always ready to play baseball. Willing to help others. He always told me once a fogger always a fogger. Fogger forever.”
Via Facebook
David John Smercansky’s death marks the end of an era for local sports and education in Youngstown.
Yet his influence lives on through the students he taught, the players he coached, and the community he served.
In a world that often moves too fast, David reminded us of the simple joys of a well-played game and the importance of giving back.
He will be deeply missed, but his spirit remains on the diamond and in the hearts of those who knew him.
David is survived by his mother, Bertha Smercansky of Poland; his brother, Gray F. Smercansky; his sister, Deborah; and other family members. He was preceded in death by his father, Frank T. Smercansky, and his wife, Mary Lynn.
