Don Deacon Cornelius S. Smoyak, 80, died Wednesday, August 11, 2010, at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, New Brunswick, NJ.

He was ordained a Deacon in the Diocese of Trenton in 1978 and served in the Diocese of Metuchen at St. Helena's, Edison; St. Francis Cathedral, Metuchen; and Our Lady of Hungary, Perth Amboy. He was inducted into the Military Order of the Collar of St. Agatha and active in its ceremonies. He served as Chaplain for the Aviation Explorers, Post #224, Linden, NJ, since 1978. Don Deacon Smoyak's career included teaching Social Studies and Religion at St. Helena's Roman Catholic School, Edison, and St. John Vianney R.C. School, Colonia. He was also a substitute teacher at St. Francis Cathedral School. He served in the United States Army and was a Cottage Officer at the New Jersey State Diagnostic Center, Menlo Park, NJ.

Cornelius is survived by his wife of 56 years, Shirley (nee Soos), and children, Deborah Parrinello and husband Robert of Tampa, FL; Mark Smoyak of PA; and Lisa Smoyak of Piscataway. His grandchildren are James and Michael Parrinello. He is pre-deceased by his daughter, Karen Hoffman in 1987.

Cornelius enjoyed extensive travel. He visited all 50 states, and many foreign countries. He enjoyed the distinction of being one of the first "Mr. Moms," as he cared for his children in the summer months as his wife taught in many universities and conducted workshops in state psychiatric hospitals. His hobbies included riding historic trains, and having model train displays at home, as well as an extensive model plane collection.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Karen Hoffman's Cook College Fund, or to Post #224 Aviation Explorers, or to the Military Order of the Collar of St. Agatha. Donations can be mailed to the Flynn and Son/Koyen Funeral Home, 319 Amboy Avenue, Metuchen, NJ 08840.

Visitation will be on Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 pm at the funeral home. Services will begin Saturday at 9:30 at the funeral home followed by a 10:15 Funeral Liturgy at St. Francis Cathedral in Metuchen. Cremation will follow at the Rosehill Crematory in Linden.