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BORN
1935
DIED
2016
David Smyrl Obituary
Smyrl died Tuesday at Lankenau Medical Center outside Philadelphia. His wife, Cheryl Smyrl, said he was diagnosed with lung cancer in January.
"He was funny," his wife said. "I could say so many good things about him. He was loved by so many people. He was a mentor to a lot of children. He was a family man, loyal, true, and faithful."
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David Smyrl was born Sept. 12, 1935, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. During his 20s, he recited poems in New York City's Greenwich Village, according to his wife. He launched his TV career in New York, on the show "Express Yourself."
During the 1970s, Smyrl worked on the sitcom "Benson" after moving to California. He earned a People's Choice Award. He also wrote for "The Cosby Show" and played a contractor on the sitcom.
Smyrl was known best, however, as the smiling, singing storeowner on "Sesame Street." He played Mr. Handford from 1990 to 1998 and won eight Emmy awards during that time span.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by a stepson, Pancho Scott.
63 Entries
Davidlukacher
February 13, 2025
I knew him as Mr Hanford from when I used to watch Sesame Street
David Asher Lukacher
January 12, 2025
I knew him as mr Handford from Sesame Street
David Asher Lukacher
January 6, 2025
I knew him as Mr Hanford on Sesame Street
David Asher Lukacher
January 4, 2025
I knew as mr Hanford from Sesame Street
How you can show support
David Asher Lukacher
January 3, 2025
I knew him as Mr handford from Sesame Street
David Asher Lukacher
January 3, 2025
I knew him as Mr Hanford from Sesame Street
David Asher Lukacher
January 2, 2025
I knew Him as Mr handfordfom Sesame Street
David Asher Lukacher
January 2, 2025
I knew him as Mr Handford on Sesame Street on pbs kids
Spencer
February 21, 2023
Your friend Emilio Delgado in haven with you
Spencer
February 20, 2023
Remembering David smayrl and bob McGrath
Spencer
February 20, 2023
Your friend bob McGrath in haven with you
Luff Spencer
October 14, 2018
Nice men on Seseme street
Mark K
November 20, 2017
Not a week goes by that I do not think of you and your GREAT whit
Gilbert Scribner
April 11, 2016
David definitely seemed to enjoy his work on TV and stage and the audience felt his performance. We all will miss him dearly. To his supportive, loving yet grieving family and friends, these incredible words of comfort and reassurance: " Your dead will live. My corpses will rise up. Awake and shout joyfully you residents in the dust ! For your dew is as the dew of the morning. And the earth will let those powerless in death come to life." Respectfully submitted with sincere condolences and sympathies.
MA
April 6, 2016
I send my deepest regards. May you throw your anxiety on God that he may sustain your hearts during this time.-Psalms 55:22
Oh how I loved Sesame Street.
Rodney
April 1, 2016
Sorry to learn of the loss of David Smyrl. He was an award-winning actor who educated many and inspired some. May the legacy he left with characters he portrayed remain in the minds of those whom were entertained. May character of the man he was be forever memorialized in the hearts of his wife and son, or until God's promise at John 6:40 is fulfilled by His chosen one.
March 31, 2016
My heartfelt sympathy for the loss of your dear husband and father... Be assured that his good qualities and his great, humble heart made a name for himself...May you receives the strength, the support, and comfort that Heavenly Father provides to the ones who are heartbroken...
VS
March 31, 2016
To Mrs Smyrl and all other family members. I pray that God grants you the peace and comfort needed to help you in the grieving process. I know Mr Smyrl will be missed rely on the God given gift of memory.
March 31, 2016
I remember Mr. Smyrl's role on Sesame Street when I was growing up in the 90's & his hilarious role as the shifty contractor on the Cosby Show. My favorite episode that he appears in is when Claire is in court & Cliff bets Mr. Smyrl's character that he can get a date with her and Cliff of course won. Mr. Smyrl's presence will be missed by many. My warmest thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Mr. Smyrl's wife, son and family and friends.
Psalms 37:11
S T
March 30, 2016
My condolences to the family during this difficult time. May the God of comfort be your source of comfort during this time.
Danielle Waller
March 29, 2016
I sure do remember his smile on the show .
March 29, 2016
I am so sorry for your loss. May God bless his family, friends and fans. Now you can look forward to seeing him in paradise. God love and care for you.
C Sanders
March 28, 2016
You taught me so much everyday, the show is the reason I was reading by age 4. May the memories be everlasting and happy for your family. Rest in Peace. Cebrina S. Humble, Tx.
March 28, 2016
I am so sorry for your loss. Your loved one surely surpassed the average age stated in Psalm 90:10. May you have peace of mind knowing he lived a long life.
March 28, 2016
Cousin Dave!
The Pacheco family's hearts are aching.
You were there, for us, in times of need and we will always be grateful and love you for it. Cheryl, we wish you strength and offer our deepest condolences.
What an amazingly gifted and incredibly big hearted man.
May you RIP
Michael, Cynthia, Kory and Kyle
March 27, 2016
My thoughts with the family in the time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort during these difficult days (Psalms 9:9,10).
L.S.
March 27, 2016
Thank you Mr. Smyrl for your contributions to television. My deepest sympathy to your family.
Mrs. Rachel S. Pucchano
March 27, 2016
I'm sorry. I grew up watching Sesame Street and would sneak peeks as an adult.
jw
March 27, 2016
Please accept my deepest sympathy, John 5:28 say that those in the memorial tomb will hear Jesus voice and come out.
Joe
March 27, 2016
May the God of all comfort prove to be a stronghold and a refuge for you (Psalm 18:2). T extend my deepest condolences to your family during this difficult time.
Ms. F. Taylor
March 27, 2016
Sincere Condolences To The Smyrl Family,
Especially to his wife:Cheryl and your son: Pancho. So sorry for your loss.
With Sadness & Loving-Kindness,
Delores Burkhardt
March 26, 2016
Mr. Syrl, prayers to your family and friends
Kathy Jones
March 26, 2016
Sorry for your lose.
Susie
March 26, 2016
My sincere condolences for the loss of your loved one. May you find comfort knowing that those who die, God keeps in his memory because they are precious in his eyes. - Psalm 116:15
Linda J
March 26, 2016
My daughter who is 47 yrs old grew up watching Sesame Street. She was always glued to the TV & being educated all the while.
My deepest condolences to the family.
Please be assured God knows your pain & sent his Son to "Bind up the Brokenhearted & to comfort those who mourn" Isa. 61:1,2.
Jane Dowling
March 26, 2016
God bless you and your loved ones ~ Rest in peace.
March 26, 2016
May the God of all comfort be with you at
this time of your sorrow.
March 26, 2016
May it comfort you to know that God as well as others care about your loss at this time
Sincerely,
March 26, 2016
May David fond memories bring you peace.
Grady Youngblood
March 26, 2016
David Smyrl is Known on "Sesame Street Tv programs.
March 26, 2016
My condolences on the loss of your love one.
March 26, 2016
May your family find peace and comfort in knowing sickness, pain and death will one day be gone for this has been promised.
Dwayne Bickham,Sr.
March 26, 2016
In God's care, rest in peace.
March 26, 2016
May the fond memories of your loved one carry you through this difficult time as you look to our loving heavenly father for strength "For he is near to those broken at heart ". Ps 34:17,18
Matt
March 25, 2016
It's a sad day on sesame street.you were a good friend.we are going to miss you.God Bless David! Rest In Peace! Much love Big Bird!
G. Freeman
March 25, 2016
It can be so hard to face the first year without your loved one, but the love of family and friends can carry you through.
March 25, 2016
Rest in Peace
March 25, 2016
So sorry to hear "Mr. Handford" is gone. He put a lot of smiles on the faces of millions.
m
March 25, 2016
I am so sorry for your loss, May the God who " binds up the broken hearts" and"Comforts all who mourns"sustain you during this difficult time ( isaaih61:2).
michelle plakas-kaiser
March 25, 2016
rip
Steve
March 25, 2016
It's a sad day on Sesame street. My heartfelt condolences to family.God Bless! Rest InPeace David!
Harry Simpson
March 25, 2016
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
March 25, 2016
My condolences to Cheryl and Pancho for the loss of your dear husband, father and friend ~ David. This time of the year, we are commemorating the death of Christ who made it possible for us to have hope for an everlasting future (John 3:16). Please be comforted that David is resting awaiting this wonderful future ~ Linda, Queens, NY
Wilson
March 25, 2016
My condolences to the family. May you treasury your precious memories of this fine man. And, let the God of comfort sustain you at this time.
March 25, 2016
What a talented and gifted man. He was truly loved and respected by his family. Reading God's word of hope for those who have passed on is faith building and encouraging. John 6:40. Annie C. Ga.
SUE
March 25, 2016
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Carolyn Murray
March 25, 2016
To The Family,
May God wrap his all healing & powerful arms around your family at this time of bereavement. All of your memories of Mr. Smyrl will forever live within your hearts, spirits & souls. I will forever cherish my fondest memories of him as the "handyman" on the "Cosby Show". He was a very humorous person; he had a smile that would fill your heart with so much JOY! He is your guardian angel within the heavenly kingdom of our Almighty Father. RIP Mr. Smyrl
March 25, 2016
My condolence to you Cheryl and Pancho, may you find peace in all those great memories......Anji and family (a past sesame st watcher)
Scott Chamberland
March 25, 2016
Rest in Peace
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