Thomas H. Smith

Thomas H. Smith passed away peacefully at his home on June 16, 2023 at the age of 92. He was the son of the late Alfred “Bud” Smith and Pearl (Grigg) Smith of Pen Argyl, PA.  Born in Pen Argyl on August 2, 1930, Tom was a 1948 graduate of Pen Argyl High School where he played on the 1947 championship football team. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree at East Stroudsburg University where he played varsity football for legendary coach, Eugene Martin. He also received a Master of Science degree from Temple University and attended Penn State University. He was a Korean War Veteran and a member of the American Legion Post 502 of Pen Argyl.

Tom taught social studies, health, and physical education at Belvidere High School for 35 years, where he was the head of the Physical Education Department and Audio-Visual director. He coached football and baseball, and was Director of Athletics at Belvidere High School for 17 years. He helped form the (now defunct) Delaware River Conference and served as its Vice-President for many years. He was a member of the Middle States School evaluating team. After Friday night basketball games, he often organized Sock Hops in the gym for the Belvidere students, whom he thought the world of. In 1975, he was honored by the Belvidere Boosters Club for his work in the high school’s athletic programs. He belonged to national, state, and local education associations. Tom retired in 1991, and was an avid trail walker, fly fisherman and Eagles/Phillies fan.

His greatest love was his wife Lillian. Tom loved all of his family and wished all would succeed him in every accomplishment, and they all did. 

Thomas Smith is survived by his son Mark Smith and his wife Phyllis of North Redington Beach, FL; son Kyle Smith and his wife Theresa of Kutztown, PA; daughter Tracy (Smith) Millheim and her husband Kevin of Macungie, PA; grandchildren Tom Smith, Katelyn Smith, Alysia (Millheim) Rowe, Jessica (Smith) Heiner, and Taylor Millheim; great-grandaughter Blake Denniston and dear friend Rich Altemose. He is preceded in death by his wife Lillian, parents, siblings Lorraine Poust, Joyce Fehr, Barbara “Fuzz” Harding, Richard Smith, and granddaughters Mary Smith and Jacqueline Millheim.  

Memorial services will be held, Monday, June 26, 2023, at 11 AM at the Ruggiero Funeral Home, LLC, 126 E. Pennsylvania Avenue, Pen Argyl, with Pastor Ron Shipman officiating.  There will be a visitation Monday, beginning at 9:30 AM unitl time of services at the funeral home.  Interment with Military Honors will follow at Fairview Cemetery, Pen Argyl.  All are welcome to attend and celebrate Tom’s life. 

Online condolences may be offered at www.rugggierofuneralhome.com. 

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The Lehigh Valley Coalition on Organ and Tissue Donation.