Mark Smail remembered as larger-than-life personality for auto dealership
Family, friends and colleagues of Mark Smail were devastated to learn that the general manager of Westmoreland County’s largest car dealership died after a ski outing on Saturday at age 62.
A family-run business now in its fourth generation, Smail Auto Group is among the top 50 employers in Westmoreland County and operates 10 new car franchises.
“He was this larger-thanlife personality that loved being around everyone whether it was for work or with family,” said his son, Marcus Smail, 28, of Greensburg, a general manager of a couple of the Smail stores.
Mark Smail, of Greensburg, was the son of the late Clarence “Bud” Smail, who operated the dealership with his brother, Jim, for about 50 years.
“The biggest compliment to him is that every generation that came after him wanted to be just like him,” Marcus Smail said. “I can only hope to be the man he was. He was loved by a lot of people and touched many lives.”
His father was known for his full schedule and range of activities, he said. And he was a local sports fan.
“He loved the Steelers and the Penguins, and just loved being in people’s company.”
When he entered his dad’s office this week, Marcus Smail said, he felt the abruptness of his loss. “My dad was ready to come into work and continue to do what he’s done over the last 40 years.”
With about 400 employees, workers were mourning together, Marcus Smail said.
Mr. Smail’s wife, Kelly, and their daughter Taylor Smail added, together: “Everyone gravitated towards him. He had that energy you wanted to be around.”
Before his death, Mr. Smail was set to serve as president, in 2025, of the Pennsylvania Automotive Association, which represents more than 1,000 new car, heavy-duty truck and power sports dealers in the state. The association provides legislative advocacy, compliance training and other services.
The late Mr. Smail has been on the board since 2016; his father served as president in 2002, said John Devlin, the association’s president and CEO.
“Mark was a leader in Pennsylvania’s retail automotive industry and a great friend,” he said, adding that “Mark will be greatly missed by the dealers in the state and by the entire association staff.”
The association awarded Mr. Smail the Bud Smail Political Advocacy Award in 2021. Named after his father, the award honored Mark Smail’s support of legislative efforts and fundraising.
Like his father, Mr. Smail was an auto industry leader holding multiple board positions. He was also a board member of the Greater Pittsburgh Automobile Dealers Association, which just sponsored the Pittsburgh Auto Show at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Downtown.
Mr. Smail was also involved in his community, on the board of the Westmoreland Cultural Trust and the Westmoreland County Economic Growth Connection.
A 1980 Hempfield Area High School graduate, Mr. Smail earned a business administration degree from the University of Pittsburgh Johnstown.
Clement L. Pantalone Funeral Home Inc. in Greensburg is handling Mr. Smail’s arrangements.