Dr. Eric Laurence Smitt

Dr. Eric Laurence Smitt, 77, of Marion, formerly of Melbourne, Florida, passed away at 12:13 am on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at Miller's Merry Manor in Marion. He was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, February 21, 1948, to Morris and Sara (Brasloff) Smitt. On June 8, 1989, he married Sylvia F. Rubin Wortman, and she survives.

Eric graduated from Philadelphia Central High. He served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. He achieved the rank of Cryptologic Petty Officer Second Class and was honorably discharged. Following his military service, Eric graduated from Purdue University and University of Central Florida. He earned three masters degrees and a doctorate. He worked as an electrical engineer for many years with Lockheed Martin, retiring in 2010.

Eric was dedicated to his Jewish faith and had studied to become a Rabbi. He served as President of Beth El Synagogue in Melbourne, Florida. Eric was a World Class International Ham Radio Operator under the call sign K9ES. He loved to travel, especially going on vacations with his wife.

In addition to his loving wife, survivors include his sons, Keith (Michelle) Smitt of North Manchester and Steven Smitt of Lafayette; Sylvia's daughters, Stacy Grindle, Susan (Jeffrey) Martell, and Sherry (Micha) Berger; grandsons, Aaron Smitt, Eric Smitt, and Caleb Nowell; granddaughter, Sara Smitt; brother, Geofrey (Linda) Smitt; niece, Evonne (Jerry) Marzouk; and special step-grandson Daniel Grindle.

He was preceded in death by his father, Morris Smitt and his mother, Sara Smitt.

The family will hold a private graveside service followed by burial at Marion National Cemetery in Marion.

Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.