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NATE SMITH Obituary
NATE, SR.
82, of Pittsburgh, peacefully on Thursday, March 31, 2011. Son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Nobel (Luvenia) Smith, Sr.; brother of Harold Smith, Elizabeth Griggs, and the late Nobel E. Smith, Jr.; beloved husband of 63 years to the late Mrs. Minnie Henderson Smith; loving father of Dr. Renee Smith Clark and Mr. Nate Smith, Jr., and the late Sabrina Smith; loving grandfather of Natasha Smith, Nate Aaron Smith, III, and Morgan Lee Smith. Also survived by four great-grandchildren. Mr. Nate Smith leaves to mourn many, many relatives, friends and associates. Through God's grace, Mr. Nate Smith left this world a better place. Friends received Thursday, April 7, 2-7 p.m. at RAPP FUNERAL HOME, 10940 Frankstown Rd., Pittsburgh, PA 15235, 412-241-5415. Services will be held Friday, April 8, 10 a.m. at the Church of the Ascension, 4729 Ellsworth Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213. In lieu of flowers, family requests donations be made to The Nate Smith Documentary Project at Robert Morris University, 6001 University Blvd., Moon Twp., PA 15108.
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Leon Coleman
March 29, 2021
Great man
I very good friend
Leon Coleman
March 29, 2020
To a great man that I had the pleasure of meeting and working with. He taught me a lot and In troubling times he had my back. A true friend, Rest In Peace Nate
Love you man and I miss you
William Dowling
September 7, 2011
Somehow I had not heard of the passing of Mr. Smith. I was blessed to work with him in his later years at a local health care facility. While he was known for being such a tough leader, I saw the gentler and loving side in his later years. So positive and respectful to others. I always remember that when I would ask him how his lunch or dinner was that day, his response always was "Best I Ever Had." What an extraordinary humanitarian who will be, forever, missed by all who benefited from his years of unselfish service to his community. God loves Nate Smith.
Marilyn Marcus
June 30, 2011
Dr. Renee and Nate Jr. and Smith Family: Oh my goodness, Nate Smith is a LEGEND. For any of us who had relatives in the building and construction trades, Nate Smith was a miracle worker. Thank God for all the doors he opened and all of the families who had a good living because of the pioneer that he was. May God comfort your family and give you nothing but peace and blessings going forward. Much love...
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Michelle Warrick
April 13, 2011
My deepest sympathy and prayers.
JACK Derry Sr.
April 8, 2011
Am so sorry for your loss. Jack Derry Sr.
william carmack
April 8, 2011
bill carmack sr,local 66 operating engineers.1972 til present.thankyou nate smith....
william carmack
April 8, 2011
bill carmack,local 66 operating engineers.1972 til present,thankyou nate......
william carmack
April 8, 2011
mr. nate smith,words cannot express the feelings i have always had for this man...in 1972 i was working as a heavy equipment operator on interstate 79 near waynesburg,pa.at that time out of hundreds of workers there were only two black operators on the job, myself included.the other operator i only remember as rock.one hot summer day i turned and there was nate smith,way down there in waynesburg asking me how i was being treated and if everything was ok.I cannot begin to tell you how much that meant to me...you see i was only 18 at the time.Iv'e seen nate through the years and the first thing he would always ask me is are you working?and i would say yes and his eye's would always light up and sparkle, even after he aged and his eyes kind of turned gray he still had that same sparkle.i have been a card carrying member of the international union of operating engineers since 1992 and i often wonder what my life would be like today if nate smith had not come to my job way down there in wayneburg on that hot summer day 39 years ago...nate and his family will always be in my prayers.he was a man!thankyou nate...
Partnered with Robert Morris University to Show Your Documentary at the Hill House Auditorium
Kimberly Ellis
April 8, 2011
When we call upon our ancestors' names, they stay with us. Thank you, Nate Smith, for your great work. It hurts to know that we've been in similar battles without knowing your history. We showed your film tonight, on the day of your wake. You know we didn't plan it that way but everything happens for a reason. We stand because you stood and we will carry on your legacy. Ashe! Ashe! Ashe! Rest in Peace, Nate Smith. ---Kimberly C. Ellis, Executive Director, Historic Hill Institute http://historichill.org
Jermaine Johnson
April 7, 2011
Dr Clark and Smith family, I'm sorry to hear of Mr. Nate's passing. He was a great man and left a great legacy. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
April 6, 2011
May God bless your father for all he did for us. Estella Loar
Regina Coates
April 6, 2011
Nate Smith Sr, You were an awesome Man of strength. You actually laid your life on the line to help many. You got up with ALL the respect, from all walks of life.I enjoyed talking to you, the great laughs we shared, you were a comedian in your own right. The Lord called you home on my birthday, thus I will never forget you. May your family be comforted with the awesome memories they shared with you. RIP my strong brother, What a Man, What a Mighty Good Man. Until we meet again, I know you are constructing one of those golden roads for us to be received with your arms extended and that contagious smile.
April 6, 2011
We offer our sincere condolences for your lost. It is with deep sympathy that we send our love to Rene and Nate Jr.; and family members of our beloved uncle Nate. Our prayers are with you, and we wish you strength in the days ahead.
Love
Mattie C. & Bill Robinson, and family
David Doswell
April 6, 2011
Nate Smith was our Martin Luther King Jr. who was not afraid to be the example and leader that Pittsburgh has not seen since. I know you all are hurting, but belive you me that Nate Smith is the Angel in Heaven with the darkest of wings yet the brightest of stars. One Luv Bro Nate, you will be sorely missed and thanks for showing the way. The Doswell Family
Wajihah Abdullah
April 6, 2011
To Renee and Family,
Very sorry to hear of the passing of your father. May the Almighty comfort you at this time and as the days go by.
Your roommate from Pitt
Heather Moschetta
April 6, 2011
I was fortunate to learn Nate Smith's story while developing a school curriculum guide to accompany the documentary produced by the team at Robert Morris University. He was an important part of the civil rights movement in Pittsburgh and nationwide. His legacy cannot be forgotten as we continue to grow towards racial equality in Pittsburgh and the entire United States.
Agnes Hill
April 6, 2011
Nate Smith a man with integrity. He would open up doors and hundreds would walk through.
A man that took on tasks where others looked away. Yet, when the door opened they walked through.
A man with full vigorous, physical and mental strength, became known all over. Doors began to open for men and women, Operating Engineers Local #66. His strength gave us strength.
A man that fought for man kind and succeeded in that BATTLE!!!!
My condolence to the Smith Family,
Agnes Hill, Stoneboro PA
Hal Brown
April 6, 2011
Nate Smith was one of the most dynamic black men in Pittsburgh and I knew him well from the years that I too worked in the construction industry in the Burgh. I respected Nate and was always glad to see him. I still think of him often. Hal Brown formely of WAMO and WTAE-TV.
Chester Lee
April 6, 2011
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Freda Ellis
April 6, 2011
Dear Nate Smith,
I remember your marching through the streets of Pittsburgh when I was a little girl. Now that I am older, I have much appreciation for your getting Blacks into unions. The system has failed us again and you are not here to take up the torch. Maybe someone will who knows. There will never be another Nate Smith like you. I love you for what you did in the 19 60's and I appreciate all that you have done. You alone helped our people and you alone stand out as one of OUR HEROES. I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU FOR WHAT YOU DID FOR OUR PEOPLE. MY HERO!
FREDA ELLIS
natalie jones
April 6, 2011
to the family,
deepest, deepest condolences on the lost of Mr. Smith. i will miss him taking his daily walk throughout the neighborhood.
April 5, 2011
TO RENEE AND NATE
YOU HAVE MY PRAYERS AND DEEPEST SYMPATHY. YOUR FATHER OPENED ALOT OF DOORS FOR MANY PEOPLE IN THE WORK FIELD.
DONNA PRIOR WILLIAMS & FAMILY FROM COLWELL STREET
nona tate
April 5, 2011
My dearest Renee and Natie,
My God Bless you and keep you.It's hard
for me because we grew up with the family
on Benett St. He's fine now plus he's with,Ms Minnie and Sabrina. And we all WILL see then again soon. It'll be like HOME all over again. I miss Mommie,Daddy,
and Florence but it helps to KNOW that I Will see them all again soon. It's gonna be Okay !!!! I'll never forget your family. You all were apart of my life. May God continue to Bless and Comfort you. My Love to you all,
Nona Tate
April 5, 2011
Mr. Nate
There is nothing more to say, but THANK YOU. Your fight, your determination and your true beliefs are all that is needed to be said. May you rest in peace, and God is so very proud of you as all people should be, no matter what their skin color may be. You made a difference not only in the Black communities, but you let all mankind know that equality is for everyone. Thank you again for everything.
April 5, 2011
May God Almighty comfort the family of Mr. Nate Smith Sr.The beauty of life was manifested in his Manhood.I thank-you MR. Smith and may God Almighty continue to bless you in your transition.R Khalid Mustafa of Pittsburgh Pa.
Alton Smith
April 4, 2011
I never met dr king malcolm x or huey newton as we sit back in think about it my uncle was our general he loved his people I love u uncle nate r.i.p to a real solider
Charles McHenry
April 4, 2011
My deepest sympathies go out to the family. Nate was a real man and a leader in advancing the opportunities for Black men in the construction industry. Rest in peace.
April 4, 2011
May you rest in peace. You left the world a better place. I had the pleasure of meeting you several times when you came to my classroom at Belmar to speak with my students. Thanks you! My thoughts and prayers got out to your family!
Inez McDonald Katzbeck
April 4, 2011
To the family of Nate Smith, It was a pleasure marching from freedom corner with Nate, back in the day of the civil rights movement. I can say honestly that Nate was a fighter, and a great motivational leader. So, I know he could say, "Let the work I've done, speak for me". His time spent on this earth, brought about change. God bless you all.
m Scotty
April 4, 2011
My deepest sympathy and prayers.
Alton Smith
April 4, 2011
Love u unc good black dnt crack
Alton Smith
April 4, 2011
2my smith family uncle nate is a giant and the rock of our family I"ll miss u uncle nate
Tony Bentley
April 4, 2011
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Blair Blackwell
April 4, 2011
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
April 4, 2011
Mr. Nate Smith, You made a difference. Thank You
Leon Coleman
Ray Allen
April 4, 2011
Sympathy & kindest regards to the Smith family, anyone & everyone whose life was touched in any way by Nate, an exceptionally special man. If Elmer reads this, kindest regards & hope to see you sooon.
Louise Glover
April 4, 2011
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Cindy Steinberg
April 4, 2011
Dear Renee,
I am so sorry to learn of the passing of your beloved father.
I had the pleasure of meeting him when he stopped by CCAC to see you.
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
I am now living in Boynton Beach, Florida.
Fondly,
Cindy
Redmond & Yvonne Page-Johnson
April 4, 2011
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Walter Sloan Jr. and Family
April 4, 2011
My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
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