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Charles Smith Obituary
Pat grew up in Townville and Meadville, Pa., and graduated from Meadville High School, where he played basketball and volleyball and was a member of the boys' volleyball state championship team in 1964. He went on to Penn State University, where he earned his bachelor's degree and played a role in the creation their Men's Volleyball Team.
For more than 30 years, Pat taught history, world cultures, and A.P. American History at Meadville High School. However, he was more than a teacher – he was generous with his time and was considered a supporter and mentor to many students. During his time at Meadville High, he was remembered by many as "Mr. Big," a white fedora and suspenders wearing mascot who led cheers and engaged fans to support the Meadville Bulldogs basketball team during their playoff runs in the 1980s. Early in his MHS teaching career, Pat served as an assistant basketball coach under head coach Norm Sundstrom. Years later, he assistant coached the girls' softball team at the school under head coach Dave Kennedy. While in Meadville, he was also involved as an umpire in men's slow pitch softball leagues and achieved prominence as a NCAA volleyball official.
Upon moving to Erie, he continued his teaching career in adult education at Stairways Behavioral Health. He was also a beloved and influential director of The Erie Bridge Association, where he led bridge games and mentored other players with their bridge skills. The game of bridge became Pat's most beloved pursuit, and he achieved Gold Life Master status and beyond.
Survivors include his two daughters, Sally Brooks of Lakewood, Ohio and Heather Smith of Milwaukee, Wis.; two grandchildren, Eva and Boston Brooks; and many cousins.
Friends may call on Saturday from 1 p.m. until the time of a service at 3 p.m. at Brugger Funeral Homes &Crematory, 1595 West 38th St., at Greengarden Blvd. Burial will be private at the convenience of his family.
Memorials may be made to The Erie Bridge Association, at 1221 Grant Avenue, Erie, PA 16505.
Condolences may be expressed at www.bruggerfuneralhomes.com.
Sign the Guestbook at www.GoErie.com/obits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Charles Smith
Sponsored by Brugger Funeral Homes & Crematory, LLP - West 38th St..
2 Entries
David & Mary Morfenski
July 1, 2017
Heather and Sally,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families in the loss of your father Pat. Pat will be in our hearts and memories. We have a lot of fond memories of when we all taught together at Meadville High School. With deepest sympathy,
June 30, 2017
Heather and Sally,
You won't remember me, but I was a young teacher in 1972 at MASH, when your dad welcomed me to the faculty. We played basketball, and tennis together...and for faculty picnics, we'd put together a "Carnac the Magnificient" spoof of other faculty members.
I'd do Carnac to your dad's Ed McMahon.
He was a good guy with a good heart. I'm sorry about Barb's passing.
No one is perfect, marriages often fail, but I would bet the farm that they both loved you dearly.
Ron Peluso, Minneapolis, MN
Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results
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Memorial Events
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Jul
1
Calling hours
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Brugger Funeral Homes & Crematory, LLP - West 38th St.1595 West 38th St., Erie, PA 16508
Jul
1
Service
3:00 p.m.
Brugger Funeral Homes & Crematory, LLP - West 38th St.1595 West 38th St., Erie, PA 16508
Funeral services provided by:
Brugger Funeral Homes & Crematory, LLP - West 38th St.1595 West 38th St., Erie, PA 16508
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