Obituary for Paul E. Smith
Paul E. Smith, 96 passed away Friday, July 16, 2021 at Sarah Reed Senior Living. He was born February 26, 1925 on the family dairy farm in Summit Township, PA. Paul was one of seven children.
Growing up, Paul attended the Summit one-room Stone School and was a member of its last 8th grade graduation class. Then, Paul attended Academy High School where he met his future wife Vera Leona Thompson in Algebra class … “S” sitting next to “T”.
With WWII raging, soon after High School graduation, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps and served on a B29 bomber in the Pacific Theater. Paul loved his country.
Soon after his military discharge, Paul and Leona were married on July 26, 1946. They were to celebrate their 75th year of marriage this month.
Paul worked as a self-employed building contractor. His many projects included the construction of the Waterford Post Office and Summit Methodist Church parsonage. Paul was a life long member of the church and served as a trustee and on several committees.
Paul had many interests including bowling, golf, gardening, traveling (all 50 states) and playing cards. He was a member of a couples card club for over 50 years. However, his greatest interest was supporting the activities of his five children.
Paul literally had friends all over the country from his military service, winters in Florida, Summit church and community.
Paul was the beloved patriarch of the family. His children and entire family will miss him. On his final day, he wiggled his ears to entertain two grandchildren.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents Lee and Edna Smith, his brother, Elliot Smith, two sisters Mildred Zwilling, Helen Carroll, sister-in-law Helen Smith, three brothers-in-laws Milford Zwilling, William Carroll, and James Lasher.
Paul is survived by his devoted wife, Vera Leona Smith, five children Greg (Patti) of Novelty OH, Harv (Lois) of Waterford, Diane Dillen (Dan) of Erie, Marla Veshecco (Gary) of Summit and Sandy Stewart of Cranberry Twp.; 12 grandchildren Scott, Paul, and Ross Smith, Leigh Ann Chermak, Holly Gunning, Adam, Alyssa, Brett, and Emma Veshecco, Brendan, Laura, and Anna Stewart; 13 great-grandchildren, and several step-grandchildren. Also, living are two brothers and their wives Hubert (Louise) and Sid (Louise), a sister Audrey Lasher and many nieces and nephews.
Paul and Leona moved to Sarah Reed in 2013. The family expresses their appreciation to the Sarah Reed staff for the many years of care given to Paul.
Family and friends may call at the Russell C. Schmidt and Son Funeral Home Inc. 5000 Wattsburg Road, on Thursday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. and on Friday at Summit United Methodist Church from 10:30 a.m. until the time of services there at 11 a.m. celebrated by Rev. Tom Hoeke and Rev. John Thompson. Burial will full military honors will follow in Waterford Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Summit United Methodist Church 1510 West Townhall Road, Erie, PA 16509
Please visit www.SchmidtFuneralHomeErie.com to sign the Book of Memories.
Growing up, Paul attended the Summit one-room Stone School and was a member of its last 8th grade graduation class. Then, Paul attended Academy High School where he met his future wife Vera Leona Thompson in Algebra class … “S” sitting next to “T”.
With WWII raging, soon after High School graduation, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps and served on a B29 bomber in the Pacific Theater. Paul loved his country.
Soon after his military discharge, Paul and Leona were married on July 26, 1946. They were to celebrate their 75th year of marriage this month.
Paul worked as a self-employed building contractor. His many projects included the construction of the Waterford Post Office and Summit Methodist Church parsonage. Paul was a life long member of the church and served as a trustee and on several committees.
Paul had many interests including bowling, golf, gardening, traveling (all 50 states) and playing cards. He was a member of a couples card club for over 50 years. However, his greatest interest was supporting the activities of his five children.
Paul literally had friends all over the country from his military service, winters in Florida, Summit church and community.
Paul was the beloved patriarch of the family. His children and entire family will miss him. On his final day, he wiggled his ears to entertain two grandchildren.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents Lee and Edna Smith, his brother, Elliot Smith, two sisters Mildred Zwilling, Helen Carroll, sister-in-law Helen Smith, three brothers-in-laws Milford Zwilling, William Carroll, and James Lasher.
Paul is survived by his devoted wife, Vera Leona Smith, five children Greg (Patti) of Novelty OH, Harv (Lois) of Waterford, Diane Dillen (Dan) of Erie, Marla Veshecco (Gary) of Summit and Sandy Stewart of Cranberry Twp.; 12 grandchildren Scott, Paul, and Ross Smith, Leigh Ann Chermak, Holly Gunning, Adam, Alyssa, Brett, and Emma Veshecco, Brendan, Laura, and Anna Stewart; 13 great-grandchildren, and several step-grandchildren. Also, living are two brothers and their wives Hubert (Louise) and Sid (Louise), a sister Audrey Lasher and many nieces and nephews.
Paul and Leona moved to Sarah Reed in 2013. The family expresses their appreciation to the Sarah Reed staff for the many years of care given to Paul.
Family and friends may call at the Russell C. Schmidt and Son Funeral Home Inc. 5000 Wattsburg Road, on Thursday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. and on Friday at Summit United Methodist Church from 10:30 a.m. until the time of services there at 11 a.m. celebrated by Rev. Tom Hoeke and Rev. John Thompson. Burial will full military honors will follow in Waterford Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Summit United Methodist Church 1510 West Townhall Road, Erie, PA 16509
Please visit www.SchmidtFuneralHomeErie.com to sign the Book of Memories.