Born October 25, 1927 – Went home to be with the Lord June 14, 2017
Earl was raised on a family ranch at Elburz, Nevada and attended a one room school house at Elburz through the 6th grade, from there he attended Elko schools and graduated form Elko High School in 1947, then attended diesel mechanic school in Chicago.
As soon as age permitted he started working on the Western Pacific Railroad, being the last fireman hired on coal fired locomotives.
He was drafted into the Army in 1952 and after serving his country he was honorably discharged in 1954. Upon his return home; he resumed working for the Western Pacific Railroad, fulfilling his lifelong dream of being a Locomotive Engineer. He accomplished his goal and spent many years as an engineer after years of working his way up from being a fireman including firing on the California Zephyr. In 1973 he moved his family from Elko to Winnemucca and retired in 1989.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Modene Smiraldo, Sons Walter Smiraldo and Marshall (Holley) Poole, daughters Linda (Rory) Webb and Shelly (Bill) Trakas, Sister Elinor Furlong and Rose Mary Mariani and numerous grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents Giconie Smiraldo and Carrie Glaser Smiraldo, brother George Smiraldo and daughter Debra Poole Rogers.
He loved his Model A truck and learned to love everything Model A. He built a roadster from a rusted hulk to a road worthy machine and used it for touring. After retirement he and Modene enjoyed many trips with their Model A Club. He also enjoyed working on his antique cars and truck and was a member of the Sagebrush Chapter of Carson City and the French Ford As of Winnemucca.
He was a Mason for 50 years and belonged to the lodge at Elko and later Winnemucca.
He love his many dogs that he had during his lifetime and especially the present “Shorty”.
His kind generous and friendly ways and witty remarks will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Our sincere gratitude for the kindness and great care given to him by the staff at Highland Village during this final battle with cancer and Alzheimer’s.
A Celebration of Life will be held August 5th 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church at 5th and Garrison Sts., Winnemucca Nevada.
