Brunswick and Brunswick Hills community speaks in memory of North Royalton Building Commissioner

BRUNSWICK — Public officials from Brunswick and Brunswick Hills spoke positively of the impact North Royalton Building Commissioner David Smerek had on both communities while expressing sorrow for his violent death. On Friday, North Royalton police responded to a 911 call that reported shots fired at the North Royalton Service Department. When first responders arrived, Smerek had suffered gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene. The suspect, Edward Biesiada, 69, of North Royalton, was outside of the building and taken into custody. The case remains an active investigation. "I was absolutely horrified to learn of the tragic passing of David Smerek," Brunswick Mayor Ron Falconi said. "Even now, it's difficult to find the words to express just how heartbreaking this loss is." Falconi was serving on Brunswick City Council, and Smerek was working in Brunswick's building department when the two first met. Smerek is also the son-in-law of John Rocha, who has served Brunswick in many roles, including as a councilman. "I feel for the family of Dave Smerek and John and Barb Rocha, who I've known for almost 25 years, and it cannot resolve the kind of pain that family is (facing)," Brunswick Councilman at-Large Joe Delsanter said. "There are three communities here that have a direct connection to this fine young man who had more friends than anything." Brunswick Hills trustee Thomas DeCastra said Smerek served the township as a member of its zoning commission for 2.5 years. "He will be deeply missed for his experience, his jovial attitude and everything he brought to our community," he said. "We pray for his family during this time and for the city of North Royalton as they face the loss of an employee." Falconi described Smerek as a "true public servant" who served both the residents of Brunswick and North Royalton with the same dedication. He said Smerek will not be forgotten. "There is something particularly heartbreaking and at the same time deeply meaningful about the fact that Dave's life ended while he was still doing what he had spent so much of his life doing," he said. "He died in the course of serving the residents of the community he worked for. He built a career off of serving others, and on his final day, he was still serving others. That says so much about the man Dave was." Contact reporter Madisyn Woodring at (330) 721-4049 or mwoodring@medina-gazette.com.