Norman Michael "Norm" Smith

Norman ("Norm") Smith, 71, of Richmond VA departed this life and began his heavenly journey with Jesus, who he loved and served so many years, on Friday, February 13, 2026. Born November 16, 1954, in Lewistown, PA, he was the son of Richard (Dick) Sr. and Lorna Smith of Mapleton Depot, PA. Norm was preceded in death by his father, a brother Richard (Dick) Jr, a sister Pamela (Pam) Smith Crockett and 2 nephews Dustin Park and Dalton Smith.

A 1972 graduate of Mount Union Area High School, Mount Union, PA, he also graduated from Eastern Nazarene College in 1980 with a bachelor's in Christian education. Through the years Norm worked at Huntington Fiberglass, Mapleton Borough (maintenance), Your Building Center, his Nazarene church daycare, and Wal-Mart. Most loved of all were his 40+ years of ministry with children and youth and as associate pastor at McConnellstown Church of the Nazarene in PA, the Mid Atlantic District of the Church of the Nazarene in PA, and Lancaster Church of the Nazarene, Lancaster, KY. Norm's highest priority was his love for his Lord and His work. Regardless of their circumstances, Norm loved and helped anyone and everyone he could.

He had a great sense of humor and was loved and respected by all who knew him. He loved gardening, playing the harmonica and visiting the sick and shut ins. Although he had no children of his own, he loved spending time with his many nieces and nephews. In 2008 Norm moved to Kentucky and married the love of his life Janet (Hathaway) Wilson who he had first met at Eastern Nazarene College 31 years earlier.

He is survived by his wife who he cherished for 18 years, 2 stepsons Jacob (Sarah) Wilson of Mesa, AZ & Jonathan (Vaz) Wilson of Richmond VA, his mother Lorna Karschner Smith of Mapleton Depot, PA, and siblings Gwen (Frank) Gracey of Cooks, PA, Mark Smith of Calvin PA, Janice (Brian) Knable of Mt Union PA and Jim Smith of Mapleton Depot. Funeral services for Norm will be held in both Virginia and Pennsylvania.

The family will receive friends and guests for a public visitation at Hope Community Church of the Nazarene – 8391 Atlee Rd, Mechanicsville VA, on Saturday, February 21st, 2026, the viewing is from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, followed by a funeral service at 2:00 PM. In Pennsylvania on Friday, February 27th, there will be a public visitation from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at John B. Brown Funeral Home – 417 Washington St, Huntingdon, PA. Another public visitation will be held on Saturday, February 28th from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at the McConnellstown Church of the Nazarene – 5851 Newtown Ave, Huntingdon, PA, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM with a service to follow.

Per Norm's wishes, cremation will take place and a private family inurnment will be held at the Mapleton IOOF Cemetery in Mapleton, PA at a later date. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to Hope Community Church of the Nazarene or McConnellstown Church of the Nazarene.

To sign an online guest book and express condolences, visit www.johnbbrownfuneralhome.com.

From the Mapleton Borough Council:

It is with heavy heart we learned the passing of one of the most dedicated and diligent borough maintenance workers of all time, "Norm" Smith.

Norm took the lead running the summer youth work program for years and saw many of the younger generations learn town maintenance and lawncare. It was always an honor to become part of Norm's summer team. You knew that a hard day's work was going to be put in for the paycheck, breaks were held quickly guzzling down water from the Igloo cooler that hung from the gas guzzling, chugging pick-up, and if you were early, you got to pick the best rake.

Norm took pride in this town and the residents of this town. He looked after the kids most of all. When he wasn't teaching them the meaning of hard work, honest pay, and hometown pride, he was picking them up for Youth on weeknights or Church and Sunday school every Sunday. There was no weather that stopped him in a plow truck or church van and for that we say, "Thank you, Norm," for your lasting dedication to our town, our home, our small Borough of Mapleton. Rest easy, our dearest native!