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William Smith Obituary
November 13, 1926 - September 7, 2012
William "Bill" E. Smith of San Pedro, beloved husband, father and grandfather, died peacefully on September 7, 2012, at the age of 86. He was born and raised in Buffalo, New York. After serving in the army for two years with the Signal Corps, he graduated summa cum laude from the University of Buffalo with a degree in Engineering, and from Cornell University with a Master's Degree in Aeronautical Engineering. He worked ten years at Cornell Aeronautical Laboratory before moving his family to Southern California, where he was employed by Douglas Aircraft and McDonnell Douglas for fourteen years, and The Aerospace Corporation for fifteen years. During his career, Bill provided support for the space programs of the United States and NATO, and contributed to a wide variety of wind tunnel aviation programs and NASA manned space programs. He retired in 1991. Bill is survived by his wife of 58 years, Alice, their seven children, Brian (Cindy), Christopher (Sharon), Mark, Kathryn (Mark), Rosemary Harding, Susan (Peter) Breitenstein, and Andrew (Erin), and 16 grandchildren, Jennifer, Rachael, Ryan, Matthew, David, Scott, Bertrand, Nika, Adam, Jonathan, Steven, India, Vincent, Mason, Hannah, and Dylan. His grandson, Trevor preceded him in death. A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, September 12 at 11am at Green Hills Memorial Park, 27501 South Western Avenue, Rancho Palos Verdes. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in William's name to the World Wildlife Fund. Please sign the guest book at www.dailybreeze.com/obits.
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Memories and Condolences
for William Smith
Cynthia Smith
September 18, 2012
Remembering my Father-in-law with affection and reflecting on how much he loved his family. They were his world. He was so proud of his children and grandchildren and each of their accomplishments, no matter how big or small. Rest in sweet peace, Bill.
September 15, 2012
I will always remember and cherish those days when your Dad "Bill" came home from work and all his children would run to him for the Hug and Kiss for the day...Best wishes to all. Carlton Fromhold
September 12, 2012
So sorry to hear about Bill's passing and so sorry I never had the opportunity to meet him. He clearly lived a remarkable life. My thoughts and prayers are with Bill's family.
Scott Pitoniak (Beth's husband)
Ingrid Wilson
September 11, 2012
Dear Brian, Cindy and family, I am so sorry to hear aboout your loss. May your remember all the wonderful things about Bill forever in your hearts. Thinking about you, sending you hugs of support.
Alice Young
September 11, 2012
Dear Alice and Family,
Bill was so proud of all of you. May you all comfort each other and stay as close as you are. Sending our prayers and love, Your Ohio family
September 11, 2012
Uncle Bill will be remembered in our thoughts and prayers.
Steve & Mary
Carmela Cannistraci
September 11, 2012
My deepest sympathy to Chris and family.
Josephine Jones
September 11, 2012
My deepest sympathy to the family. It is always hard to lose someone you love,but imagine how difficult life could be if you had never known or loved him...may God's peace be with you.
Joe and Shirley Govea
September 11, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. We send our love.
September 11, 2012
Aunt Alice & family...Our prayers go out to you at this very difficult time. Uncle Bill was such a great man and gave us many great memories. He will be forever in our hearts...
Love to you all,
Teri, Dave, Jared & Kalie
Jo and Dolan Sittig
September 11, 2012
Our deepest sympathy Brian (and Cindy) and to your mother and family.
thinking of you today.
Patricia Wilden
September 11, 2012
Rest in peace, Bill.
Pat Wilden & Jim Malcolm
September 11, 2012
To the Smith Family:
May the love of those around you, help you through the days ahead. And may the "peace of God that excels all thought", comfort and strengthen you during this difficult time in your lives. (Philippians 4:7)
My condolences,
SJB.
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Green Hills Mortuary & Memorial Chapel27501 South Western Avenue, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
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