Peter "Silly" John Smith

Peter “Silly” John Smith age 79, of Erie, passed away on Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at St. Vincent Hospital.

He was born in Erie on January 9, 1947, a son of the late Arthur and Norma Hill Smith.

Peter graduated from East High School and went on to serve in the United States Army.

He drove a school bus for Millcreek Township for several years.

Peter “Silly” was a member and former President of the Erie Clowns and more recently ERIEsistable clowns since 2005 and was an avid community service member. He had a great sense of humor which gave him the name “Silly”. He was also an avid golfer.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Cecelia Ann Lostroch and a granddaughter, Rachel Smith.

He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Marie Johnson Smith; two children, Christie Smith and Eric Smith; 56 grandchildren, Kiara Smith, CJ Lipford, Kalonnie Lipford, Rebecca Smith,Cameron Smith and LeAnne Tate; his siblings, Malcom (Roberta) Smith, Michael (Patty) Smith, Patrick Smith, Paul Smith and Pamela Smith Grunzel (David);  and several nieces and nephews.

Friends may call at the Burton Quinn Scott Cremation and Funeral Services, Inc., West Ridge on Friday, March 6th from 3:0o p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and are invited to a service there on Saturday, March 7th at 11:00a.m. Private Burial will be in in Gate of Heaven Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks if you would consider a donation to the ERIEsistable Clowns 512 Kelso Dr. Erie, PA 16505.

Send condolences at www.BurtonQuinnScott.com