Larry D. Smith

Larry D. Smith, 76, of Mount Bethel, passed away Monday, September 11 while in hospice care at New Eastwood Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center in Easton.

Born April 13, 1947, Larry was the only child of the late Paul and Sarah (Hoag) Smith of Mount Bethel. Growing up, he worked on the family’s farm where he cultivated the land and the tireless work ethic he would carry with him throughout his life. 

He met his high school sweetheart and wife-to-be, Saundra Bush, at Bangor Area High School, where they were both members of the marching band — he, a trombone player, and she, a member of the color guard. After graduating from East Stroudsburg University, Larry and Saundra married on August 2, 1969, in a candlelit ceremony at Trinity Lutheran Church in Bangor. He then served his country as a member of the National Guard, helping flood victims of Hurricane Agnes in 1972.

With Saundra, Larry built a family and a life he loved. They adopted three children to whom he gave his name, his home, and everything he had. Exceedingly loyal and generous of heart, Larry never missed a game, a concert, or a chance to show up for his family. He also helped to enrich his community as a past member of the Richmond Lions Club, the Portland Masonic Lodge No. 311, and the church council at Prince of Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church in Johnsonville.

He retired from Pany & Lentz Engineering in Allentown in 2017 but never slowed down. Larry tinkered in his shed, worked on cars, and repaired creaky boards and leaky faucets. Larry saved everything and always found a new (and better) use for each item. He was a masterful problem-solver — that’s why it took cancer three tries to out-maneuver our brave, strong, and almost-invincible Larry.

The gift of his love lives on in his wife of 54 years, Saundra; his children: Meghan and Thomas McGowan of Palmer Township, Meredith Smith and Michael Khan of Tatamy, and Micah of Bath; his three grandchildren Gillian, Lily, and Violet; and his brother-in-law and sister-in-law Paul and Lori Kuhs of Wind Gap.

Those who knew him knew that Larry enjoyed simple pleasures: warm cookies from the oven, an icy drink on a hot summer day, and the triumph of conquering the latest crossword puzzle. Above all else, though, what Larry treasured most was time with his family. The best way to honor Larry’s memory is to make a new memory with the ones you love most.

Services will be held privately at the convenience of the family. Arrangements have been entrusted to Gaffney Parsons Funeral Home, "Village of Johnsonville" 4 Lillian Lane, Bangor, PA, and Prince of Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church. Online condolences may be offered at gaffneyparsons.com.