Richard Smith

1926 - 2021

Richard Smith
July 21, 1926 - January 25, 2021
State College, Pennsylvania - Richard Harrison Smith, 94, of State College died Monday, January 25, 2021 at the Wynwood House, Boalsburg.
He was born on July 21, 1926, in Blandburg, PA; a son of the late Robert E. and Ferne (Kitchen) Smith. In 1953, in East Orange, NJ, he married Dolores (Crowley) Smith who preceded him in death in 2015.
Dick was a 1943, graduate from Westover High School. After High School, he studied at Lock Haven State Teachers College in 1952, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Health Education and Social Studies. Richard continued his education at Penn State University where he received his Masters Degree in Physical Education in 1961.
Mr. Smith was a United States Army Veteran. He served his Country during WWII, serving with the 643rd. Engineer Combat Battalion.
Richard started playing baseball in high school, then for Lock Haven University and for Port Matilda in the Centre County Leagues. He then played professionally. He was a former Professional Baseball Player for 17 seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirate Organization, San Diego Padres, and the Hollywood Stars of the Pacific Coast League. He spent five winter seasons in Cuba, Dominican Republic and Panama.
After his baseball career, he went to work for Penn State University as an Assistant Professor and Baseball Coach. He was employed at Penn State for 25 years until his retirement in 1986.
Dick was a lifetime member of the Association of Professional Ball Players of America. His memberships also included the Pittsburgh Pirates Alumni Association, Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association, Penn State Alumni Association, Nittany Lion Club, and Lodge No. 700. He was also inducted into the Clearfield Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame.
He is survived by his daughter, Lynn Kerr (Paul) of State College; two granddaughters, Natalie Jean Jones (Jason), and Kristen Ann Kerr; three sisters, Phyllis Merrill, Marlene Smith, and Carol Bruszewski. He is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews.
In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Derrill Smith; sisters, Linda Weaver and Beatrice Hostrander.
Richard loved spending time with his family. They traveled to their cottage in Canada every chance they could. He enjoyed fishing, golf, reading and traveling. He enjoyed watching Penn State sports and all of his granddaughter's activities.
The family would like to thank the staff at the Wynwood House in Boalsburg for the love and care they showed Richard throughout the years.
All services will be private and at the convenience of the family. Entombment will be held at Centre County Memorial Park, State College.
An online guestbook may be signed and condolences sent to the family at www.heintzelmanfuneralhome.com