07/28/2026
Message from North Royalton Mayor Paul Marnecheck:
The City of North Royalton experienced a senseless, horrific tragedy on Friday, July 24 when we lost a friend and coworker, Building Commissioner David Smerek, to senseless gun violence that occurred in our Building Division.
Dave always had a smile and eagerness to serve the community and his coworkers. He lit up any room, any office he walked into, instantly transforming it into a light, jovial atmosphere. He always had a quick, funny story or insight to share, and a shoulder to lighten the load that can often come with public service. We always enjoyed his laugh. Dave would often talk and chuckle simultaneously. Dave was fun, but he deeply enjoyed his work and doing the right thing. He served as an inspector for many years in Brunswick before joining our team as a building inspector in North Royalton 13 years ago. He was promoted to Building Commissioner in 2024, and he loved every minute of that role. He was made for it. Dave always expressed professionalism and a willingness to work with residents and contractors. If you knew him, you knew he was the easiest person to work with. Our community has lost a true treasure, a faithful servant and a positive light in our world. Dave loved his work, he loved his coworkers and, most of all, he loved his family. Our hearts and thoughts are with his family, his wife and his children during this deeply troubling time. And our hearts are with our North Royalton community.
I think we are all asking how things like this can happen. It is hard to make sense of the senseless. On Friday afternoon, we were confronted with the honest reality that our community, our City will never be the same. Our Safety Director will be evaluating and assessing every municipal building and access point.
Please know that the person who did this was immediately detained, and we believe Dave’s presence Friday, as unfortunate and heartbreaking as it is, prevented further tragedy in our building. We work in a line of business where many people enter our buildings daily. We will continue to greet all of our visitors as guests and to honor Dave’s legacy, and move North Royalton forward as a welcoming, neighborly community.
