Richard E. Smith

Richard (Dick) Edgar Smith, formerly of 10 Ley Place, Sussex, NJ passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 5, 2025 at the UPMC Williamsport Hospital. He was born on September 1, 1933 in Sussex, NJ to Harold and Muriel (Ayers) Smith and spent much of his time as a child at his grandparents' farm (Ayers Farm) on ground that is now a part of High Point State Park.
Richard met the love of his life, Mildred (Shauger) Smith, when she worked as a waitress at Bob's Diner. The two were married at the Sussex Wesleyan Methodist Church on December 31, 1957.
Dick enlisted in the United States Air Force directly out of high school and served overseas during the Korean War. He had intended to re-enlist and make a career in the military, but an injury sustained at home prevented him from pursuing this further. He nonetheless served in the reserve for many years. He worked for NJ Zinc in Ogdensburg as a shop foreman for years and took an early retirement when the mine closed. He then worked in maintenance for SCMUA (Sussex County Municipal Utility Authority) until his retirement. Dick was a devoted husband and a loving father and grandfather. He enjoyed telling stories (especially about his time in the military), all things pertaining to airplanes, military history, music (especially Mantovani and Big Band music), attending church, reading, and watching television. He also enjoyed dining at the Elias Cole Restaurant and eating ice cream, especially banana splits; but he was most happy simply spending quality time with his family.
Richard went to live with his son and his family in Muncy, PA in 2016.
Richard is survived by his beloved children, Connie Smith and her husband Larry (Dingmans Ferry, PA) and Stephen R. Smith and his wife Michelle (Muncy, PA), as well as his cherished grandchildren, Kaylie, Caleb, and Collin Smith. He was preceded in death by his devoted wife of nearly 67 years, Mildred M. Smith and his daughter, Melissa Rachel Smith. He will be deeply missed, but his memory will be cherished forever.
A celebration of Richard's life will be held at 4 p.m. on Thursday, July 17, 2025 at Pleasant View Wesleyan Church in Muncy, Pa where Richard was a member and his son, Stephen, serves as the senior pastor. There will also be a graveside service at the Clove Cemetery in Wantage, NJ at 11 a.m. on Monday, July 28, 2025. Family and friends are invited to attend to pay their respects to Dick. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any gifts be sent to Pleasant View Wesleyan Church, 994 East Penn Street, Muncy, PA 17756 in Richard's memory. Private cremation services have been entrusted to the Pinkel Funeral Home, 31 Bank Street (Route 23), Sussex, NJ. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.pinkelfuneralhome.com