Passaic County Mourns the Loss of Long-Serving Historian
The rich tapestry of Passaic County’s history has been woven by the hands of one man, Edward A. Smyk, who dedicated his life to unearthing and preserving the stories of the past. With a heavy heart, the community bids farewell to a legend who passed away at the age of 79, marking the end of an era in local historical preservation.
Edward A. Smyk, a lifelong resident of Paterson, had just celebrated his 50th year as Passaic County historian when he took his final breath at St. Joseph’s University Medical Center in Paterson. This passionate historian was more than just a mere collector of facts; he was a guardian of the county’s heritage, a keeper of secrets long forgotten, and a storyteller like no other.
A Legacy of Preservation and Discovery
Throughout his illustrious career, Smyk meticulously curated an extensive archive of newspaper clippings, historical documents, and artifacts that chronicled the essence of Passaic County. His dedication to salvaging pieces of history that would have otherwise been lost is a testament to his unwavering commitment to the past.
Giacomo DeStefano, the Director of the Paterson Museum, attests to Smyk’s invaluable contribution in preserving over 100,000 glass negatives from the defunct Paterson News. These photographs serve as a window into the past, allowing us to glimpse the bygone days of a thriving industrial hub.
A Man of Words and Wisdom
Mark Auerbach, a historian from the City of Passaic, fondly recalls Smyk as a captivating storyteller with a command of the English language that was unparalleled. Smyk’s ability to breathe life into the annals of history through his words captivated audiences and transported them back in time to an era long forgotten.
In his quest for truth and knowledge, Smyk delved deep into the archives, unearthing hidden gems and untold stories that shed light on the intricate tapestry of Passaic County’s past. His relentless pursuit of historical accuracy and his insatiable curiosity set him apart as a beacon of knowledge in the community.
Exploring New Horizons
One of Smyk’s most recent endeavors involved unraveling the mystery of the Marquis de Lafayette’s visit to Paterson in 1825, a tale that had remained shrouded in obscurity for centuries. Through his meticulous research and unwavering dedication, Smyk unearthed a hidden narrative that added a new dimension to the historical landscape of Passaic County.
As a seasoned journalist, Smyk’s legacy lives on through the webinars he produced for the Paterson Museum, offering a glimpse into the past through the lens of modern technology. His commitment to preserving the heritage of the county remains a beacon of inspiration for future generations of historians and storytellers.
A Lasting Legacy
Edward A. Smyk’s passing leaves a void in the heart of Passaic County, a void that can never be filled. As we bid farewell to a beloved historian, we honor his memory by continuing the work he started, by preserving the stories he cherished, and by sharing the knowledge he so generously imparted to us.
In the words of Glenn Corbett, a trustee at the Paterson Museum Foundation, “There was no one like him.” Edward A. Smyk was a pioneer, a guardian, and a legend in his own right. His legacy will forever be etched in the annals of Passaic County’s history, a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring spirit of those who seek to preserve the past.
As we pay our final respects to a man who dedicated his life to the pursuit of knowledge, let us remember Edward A. Smyk as more than just a historian; let us remember him as a guardian of the past, a storyteller of the present, and a beacon of light in the darkness of ignorance.
