Robert L. Goldsmith Jr.

Robert L. Goldsmith Jr., 93, of 324 York Ave. Towanda, Pa., passed away Friday evening, Nov. 5, 2010 at the Ashton Health Care Center in Athens, Pa., following declining health.

Robert was born in St. Louis, Mo., on Aug. 24, 1917, a son of the late Robert L. Goldsmith Sr. and Elsie Ibach Goldsmith. He was a graduate of Drexel Hill High School and the Virginia Military Institute where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry and science. He was subsequently employed by American Viscos in Marcus Hook and received his Masters degree in science and applied statistics at Villanova University.

Robert served in the U.S. Army in Burma during World War II and upon completion of his military service returned to American Viscos. On May 2, 1942, Robert married the former Helen Ray MacFarland in the Crozerville Methodist Church in Aston Township, Pa. In February of 1958, he became employed by Sylvania Electric in Towanda and remained with the company until his retirement in December of 1983.

He was a member of Christ Episcopal Church in Towanda.

Robert enjoyed reading and caring for his canine companion Shosho.

He is survived by: his sons, Robert L. Goldsmith III and his wife Sue of Douglasville, Ga., J. Barry Goldsmith of Towanda; granddaughters, Kimberly Kobersmith and her husband David of Connecticut, Leslie Hammes and her husband Michael of Texas; step-brother, Rev. James M. Hindle and his wife Carol of Hendersonville, N.C.; three great-grandchildren, Sayer, Samantha and Caven; brother-in-law, Ernest Redfield of Wilmington, Del.; sister-in-law, Helen Hindle of Bethesda, Md.; several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Helen R. M. Goldsmith on Aug. 14, 1996; brother and sister-in-law, Lawrence and Gladys Goldsmith; step-brother, Brook Hindle; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, John and Ruth MacFarland and sister-in-law, Grace Redfield.

A requiem mass will be celebrated at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 20, 2010 at at Christ Episcopal Church Chapel, Main Street, Towanda, Pa., with the Rev. Maureen Hipple, Rector, as celebrant. Towanda American Legion Post No. 42 will accord military honors at the church.

The family suggests that memorial contributions may be directed to Christ Episcopal Church, 1 Main St. Towanda, PA 18848 or to the Towanda Public Library, 104 Main St. Towanda, PA 18848, in Robert L. Goldsmith Jr.'s memory.