Robert T. Smith

Robert T. Smith passed away suddenly on August 31, 2022. Beloved husband of the late Bernice M. Smith (Dougherty). Loving father of Robert Edward, Kevin Michael (Barbara), Michael Brian, Terence Patrick, Kelli Anne Pupo and Gary Francis (Lisa). Proud Grandpop to his 10 grandchildren Kerri, Lauren, Kate, Molly, Eric, MacKenzie, Marshall, Alec, Shannon ,Conor. and to the late Adam Michael. He was doubly blessed by his 7 great grandchildren and will be missed by his cousin Lorraine and Ron Palandro. 

Robert T. Smith entered the world on December 17, 1934 to Thomas and Irene Smith.  Dad grew up in Southwest Philadelphia along with his siblings Thomas and Jean where he attended and graduated from St. Barnabas Elementary and John Bartram High School and soon after was drafted into the US Army during the Korean war. 

By the grace of God, dad met the lovely Bernice and it was love at first sight.  Dad, who was based in Boston  would hitchhike every other weekend to see her back in Southwest Philly.  After mom graduated from West Catholic, dad asked for her hand in marriage. After the wedding, he was soon stationed in Hawaii and patiently waited for his bride to arrive.  Although they struggled with not only finances but being homesick this time would provide the strength for the base of their lives together, 63 years as a married couple. There first blessing would be born on that base, they named him Robert.

Upon discharge, dad started his journey at G.E. in Southwest Phila., where the next chapter started, a new house.  Quickly outgrowing the rowhome with 5 more blessings, Kevin, Michael, Terence, Kelli and Gary. Dad moved the family to a rundown, older house that needed much work in which he completed while working two jobs to make that old house a home, the only single home with a yard, pool and basketball court.  This is where “moms magic” budget meals and hand me down clothes would make up the best childhood a kid could have.

As the kids grew up and moved on, dad continued on with his home improvements on the weekends and during the 2-week annual summer shutdown at GE until the home was perfect.  Dads work ethic and endurance were legendary, when he started a project he finished it, it had to be perfect level, plumb and square and was not complete until the area was swept and clean. 

When the last of the children moved out, and the final chapter had begun for mom and dad, they left Southwest Phila., for Broomall where they would start to rebuild a new home to finish their lives together.  The lawn was green and the bushes were perfect and Saturday Date Nights were more special and better than ever. This was  Mom and Dad’s favorite night where they would relax with a drink and a good movie.

Mom would pass in 2018 and life would never be the same for Dad. He had lost the love of his life and his best friend.  Dad would set goals to keep himself busy and his mind occupied but at the same time missed mom terribly.  On August 31, 2022, at the age of 87, dad would complete his last job. He would meet my mom and  dance with his Bernice for eternity.

Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing on Wednesday, September 7, 2022 from 9:45 am until 11:15 am at Saint Anastasia Church, 3301 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square, Pa 19073. Funeral Mass will begin at 11:30 am. Interment will follow at SS. Peter & Paul Cemetery where he will be reunited with his beloved wife, Bunny. 

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