Montara author Michael Smookler has died

Michael Smookler passed away on August 18.  A resident of San Mateo County for over 20 years with passion for local history, is the author of three books on Montara, the San Mateo County Coast, and Colma. I met Michael in writing about his first book and greatly appreciated his work toward identifying the elements that made Montara a community.

Smookler retired in July 2004 after working for 27 years as an operating engineer and by December of that year, he had taken up writing and self-published Montara: A Pictorial History. Michael wrote one story for Coastsider on restaurants of Montara, which included some photos and ephemera.

With a master’s in history from the Monterey Institute of International Studies, Smookler’s love of history lead him to author two more local history books with Arcadia Publishing:  San Mateo County Coast and Colma.  Even while battling cancer, he continued his enthusiasm for his books and attended a book signing in February for Colma and was presented with a key to the city. 

Smookler’s books, San Mateo County Coast and Colma, include images of himself and his family.

Smookler is survived by his wife, Suzanne Smookler, and children, Alexandra Smookler and Bennett Smookler, all of Montara.  He is also survived by his mother, Lorraine Smookler, of San Francisco.