Walter E. Smith

Walt Smith passed away peacefully at the age of 67, surrounded by family on February 14, 2024. Police officer, colleague, friend, but most importantly: husband, father, and grandfather.
Walt served and protected the City of Philadelphia for 37 years, rising up to the title of Chief by hard work and perseverance. Walt loved his job and always answered the call at whatever time of day. He treated everyone he met with the utmost respect and dignity. He served his community well and treated all like family. He was proud to wear his uniform every day.
Walt married the love of his life, Debby, on June 21, 1981. He adored his wife and enjoyed driving to Delaware to shop, taking trips to the beach, and going on family vacations together. Supportive, caring, and hard working until the very end, he made sure that she was taken care of. A piece of her heart will always be with him. The love they shared was unmatched and a true testament to who he was as a husband and father. Together, Walt and Debby raised three children: Kristen, Kerri, and Casey.
Walt's children were his world. He loved them so deeply. Always putting them before himself, he was proud of the adults they became and his most admirable traits–his honesty, his humor, his loving nature– can all be seen in them. He was known for giving the best hugs; he was always calling to check on them, and without a doubt, could be relied on, no matter the hour, to help them.
Pop Walt loved his grandchildren more than anything. Kerri, Bella, James, Kennadi, McKinley, Emersyn, and Asher were everything to him. He enjoyed watching their hundreds of sports games and shows, and was always happy to share how blessed he was to have such incredible grandchildren. He was there for everything, but most importantly: always available to play, listen, laugh, joke, and hug them. They will remember him dancing, smiling, and laughing forever.
Walt shared a special bond with his sons–and daughter-in-law: Tim, Jimmy, and Lisa. He was always supporting, listening, and guiding them. He loved giving life advice on how to treat his daughters right, and always lent a helping hand. Just talking to Walt at his kitchen table helped them become not only better partners, but better people and professionals as well. Tim and Jimmy know that they have big shoes to fill and they promise to do so. Walt was blessed to have such compassionate and loyal children, not by blood but by life.
Walt Smith's family wants him to be remembered as a kind and loving gentleman. He would want everyone to continue to smile, dance, and live life to the fullest, and to especially always take the trip. He would want everyone to love each other, support each other, and to be kind to one another. He will be missed immensely.
To Walt, Dad, and Pop: this is not the end; we love you and we'll see you again.
Family, friends and members of F.O.P. Lodge 5 are invited to Walt's Life Celebration, Tuesday, February 20th, from 6-9pm, and Wednesday, February 21st, from 9-10am, at John F. Givnish of Academy Road, 10975 Academy Road, Phila., PA and to participate in his Funeral Mass, Wednesday, 11am, at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 2535 Allegheny Ave., Phila., PA 19134. Interment private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Walt's name to the F.O.P. Survivors Fund, 11630 Caroline Road, Phila., PA 19154 or Philly PAL, 3068 Belgrade St., Phila., PA 19134 would be appreciated.