David L Smock

Local sportscaster, David Lee Smock, called his final game on November 6, 2021 for Marymount California University. The women’s soccer game was one to remember, going into double overtime and resulting in a heartbreaking loss for the Mariners. He was happy to call this game even though he was exhausted.

David was diagnosed with stage 2 tongue cancer in the summer of 2020. He fought through his first round of chemotherapy and radiation only to learn that the tumor grew. He started his second round of chemotherapy on November 8th. Unfortunately, he succumbed to the cancer and pneumonia at home on the morning of November 19th. David was 65.

David was born in Santa Ana, CA on February 19, 1956. He was raised in Long Beach and went to Valley Christian High School. He completed his education at Long Beach City College in 1976 and Pacific Lutheran University. He graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Journalism in 1978.

David’s prolific career includes working in television at KULR in Billings and KOUS in Hardin, Montana and on the Internet for Cal State Universities Dominguez Hills and Fullerton, Occidental College, Cal Baptist University and El Camino College. He also had the pleasure of calling games for many tournaments at various NCAA levels. He also worked with many local high schools, including Redondo Union High School, Palos Verdes Peninsula and Chadwick School.

Hobbies? Watching and discussing more sports, of course! As an avid Dodger fan, he would always bet his father, an avid Angels fan, a dollar on the outcome of the Freeway Series. At last count, David owed his father a few dollars. In the past few years, he had really enjoy sumo wrestling. Other hobbies would include anything newsworthy. He used to drive his fiance crazy on election nights.

David was preceded in death by his father, Louis Leon Smock, and his uncle, Peter Joseph Cheoros. He survived by his fiancee, Deborah Unoura, his sister, Diana Gosliga (Jim), his mother, Jeannine Smock and his aunt, Edith Cheoros. He also leaves behind many friends and colleagues.

As I was spreading the sad news, I found out just how many people loved his advice and words of encouragement. Colleagues and students expressed shock and sadness. It is through these words that we find comfort. He made a difference in the careers of beginning sportscasters and wanted to help as many as he could.

At this time, a memorial service is being planned for February 19, 2022. Details will be announced when plans are finalized. IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, please donate to the Oral Cancer Foundation at donate.oralcancerfoundation.org.







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