Graduation Year | Class of 1964 |
Date of Birth | Jun 30, 1946 |
Date of Passing | Sep 08, 2024 |
About | Herbert W. Smith passed away peacefully with his family at his side at St. Vincent hospital in Erie, Pennsylvania on Sunday September 8th. Born on June 30th, 1946, at the “Stork’s Nest” in Tucson, Arizona. Herb was the son of Herbert W. Smith II and Pearl Dine-Smith. Herb served three years in the Army, was stationed in West Berlin and was a member of the special Honor Guard that greeted all foreign dignitaries coming into Berlin. He also served in the Infantry in the fire direction center from 1967 to 1969. Herb spent 56 years as a real estate and oil and gas title searcher which he loved. He owned and operated his own company, (Abstracts & Titles Unltd, Inc.) for 40 years, working until one week before he passed away. Herb was a head hockey coach at Gateway and Plum high schools and was an assistant coach on the 1993 Pennsylvania State Championship team at Greensburg Central Catholic. He taught and coached at all age groups. Herb was a huge college hockey fan, especially the North Dakota Fighting Sioux. He also enjoyed watching and sharing his “opinions” about the Buffalo Sabres and Bills. He was an avid golfer, collected several types of memorabilia, enjoyed nature, visiting several state and national parks as well as the State of Alaska with his wife for their 50th wedding anniversary. Herb is survived by his wife, of 56 years Kathleen (Rosage) Smith of Mayville, NY; his daughter and son; Danielle (Smith) Reuther of Mayville; Derek Smith and his wife Amy of Dormont PA; three grandchildren; Isabella Reuther, Courtney and Natalie Smith. He is also survived by twelve nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father, mother and his two brothers, Dale and Lee Blakeslee. The family would like to extend special thanks to the ICU doctors and nurses at St. Vincent’s hospital in Erie; the ambulance services of Mayville/Hartfield as well as Alstar Medical transport; as well as the doctors and nurses at Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, OH. In lieu of flowers, please donate to any of the previously mentioned ambulance services. Family and friends will be received from 11am to 2pm, Saturday September 28th at Freay Funeral Home, 139 S. Erie St, Mayville, NY. A brief service will be held at the conclusion of the viewing hours, including military honors. Anyone attending is encouraged to wear their favorite hockey jersey if they would like. Friends and family are welcome to gather afterwards at the American Legion Post 493, across the street. |