Obituary of Nicholas Kenneth Smolen

Silver Lake -  Nicholas Kenneth Smolen, 26, died Nov. 6, 2010. A resident of Silver Lake, "Nick" attended schools in Cuyahoga Falls where he graduated from the high school and went on to participate at Weaver Workshop. Afflicted with cerebral palsy as a result of a severe illness at eighteen months of age, he went on to defy conventional medical expectations. He had an engaged, active mind, and a remarkable social life. Possessing a warm, loving nature; a sophisticated sense of humor, and a winning charm, he made countless friends. His unfailing positive attitude towards life expressed in his electric smile delighted all who knew him. He was dearly loved by his extended family, unbounded by blood. Survived by his father, David M. Smolen; his mother, Lynn Atkinson Smolen; his brothers, Seth-Andrew "Andrew" Smolen (Jane Davis) and Justin A. Smolen; his grandmother Muriel F. Smolen; his uncles, David Atkinson (Marta Luz), Richard Atkinson and Jeremy Ragus; his nephew, Sebastian Appleby; his niece, Serenity Smolen; his cousins Michael, Christopher, and Jonathan Atkinson; Andrea Antonowich; and Jennifer Ragus; and his extended Wood family members. His grandparents, Henry Smolen, Kenneth Biddle Atkinson and Eileen Damon Atkinson, preceded him in death. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, Nov. 13 at 4:00 p.m. with calling hours from 2-4 p.m. at Redmon Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in the name of Nicholas Smolen to the Akron Children's Hospital Foundation, 1 Perkins Sq, Akron, OH 44308. Nick's video tribute may be viewed here.