Elmer Joseph Smith, Jr.
December 10, 2024 - January 31, 2004
SMITH
ELMER JOSEPH “BUD” JR.
Of the Town of McCandless, beloved husband of the late Anne Valjean “Honey” Work Smith, died Saturday, January 31, 2004, at the age of 85. A loving father to Valjean Anne Smith Hodek & Robert F. of Sarver, PA, Michele Anne Smith & Dmitri I. of Bellevue, PA, and Nancy Gaynelle Smith-Swift & Alaric K. of Boston, MA; brother to Robert F. & Joan Smith of Canonsburg, PA, Jeanne F. Smith Pyzdrowski & Henry A. of Minnetonka, MN, and Catherine L. Smith Fox & Joseph H. of Orchard Lake, MI. EJ graduated from Columbia University in 1940, and the University of Pittsburgh, and pursued a career in industrial engineering before enlisting in the US Navy. LT (JG) Smith was presented with the Silver Star medal at the MTBTC in Melville, RI, and was cited by Vice Admiral Barbey, USN, for “gallantry and intrepidity in action” in the Southwest Pacific. In the Pacific 15 months as a PT boat ensign with Ron 7 and Ron 12, he wears six combat stars, the Philippine Liberation ribbon and the Purple Heart. He continued in the Naval reserve until his retirement July 1, 1964, having completed 7 years, 6 months, and 27 days of satisfactory Federal service. Bud’s civilian career as a realtor began as a salesman for Gunnison Homes and led him to industrial development for Bessemer and Lake Erie Railroad which culminated in a commercial real estate association with Realty Growth Corporation until his retirement. Bud Smith is remembered for his numerous civic contributions. He served as Post Commander of the American Legion Post 161 of Wexford, PA, was actively involved with the Republican party in Allegheny County, and was a member of the parish family at St. Teresa of Avila in Perrysville. He served others through his memberships in the Kiwanis Club of Pittsburgh and the Loyal Order of the Moose as well as numerous other professional and social organizations. He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer N. and Loretta A. (Wallisch) Smith of Pittsburgh. Visitation is Thurs. and Fri. 2-4 and 7-9pm at T.B. DEVLIN FUNERAL HOME, 806 Perry Highway, North Hills. A Mass of Christian Burial in St. Teresa of Avila Church, Sat. 10am. Memorial contributions are suggested to the American Heart Association, the American Cancer Institute, or another choice charity.