Obituary for William Philbert "Bill" Smith Jr.
William Philbert Smith, Jr., 93, of Hershey, entered into eternal rest on January 24, 2021, at Frey Village. He was born May 27, 1927, in Middletown, PA to the late William Philbert, Sr. and Ruth (Obenstine) Smith. He was predeceased by Thelma, his loving wife of 63 years, in 2012.
He is survived by two sons, David Smith, husband of Linda of New Cumberland, Duane Smith, husband of Sandy of Hershey; two daughters, Elaine Balaster, wife of James of Magazine, AR Erica Price of Palmyra; seven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by three siblings, Donald and Edgar Smith and Helen Verodi.
Bill proudly served in the United States Army during World War II. He worked as a firefighter for the Federal Government, starting his career at Olmsted Air Force Base, being transferred to CA, and finally retiring from Indiantown Gap. Bill was a founding member, the 1st President, the 1st Chief, and a longtime volunteer for the Lower Swatara Fire Department. He enjoyed calling bingo on Wednesday nights. He was a lifelong volunteer, helping at the Hershey Medical Center, the Mohler Center, and Congregate Meals. Most importantly, he was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother.
Services and burial will be private at the Indiantown Gap National Cemetery with full military honors. Family and friends may view the services livestream on Monday, February 8, 2021, at 11:00 AM or any time following the services at www.matinchekfuneralhome.com and going to William’s memorial page.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Central PA, 1320 Linglestown Rd., Harrisburg, PA 17110 or to the Lower Swatara Fire Department, ATTN: Treasurer, 1350 Fulling Mill Road, Middletown, PA 17057.
He is survived by two sons, David Smith, husband of Linda of New Cumberland, Duane Smith, husband of Sandy of Hershey; two daughters, Elaine Balaster, wife of James of Magazine, AR Erica Price of Palmyra; seven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by three siblings, Donald and Edgar Smith and Helen Verodi.
Bill proudly served in the United States Army during World War II. He worked as a firefighter for the Federal Government, starting his career at Olmsted Air Force Base, being transferred to CA, and finally retiring from Indiantown Gap. Bill was a founding member, the 1st President, the 1st Chief, and a longtime volunteer for the Lower Swatara Fire Department. He enjoyed calling bingo on Wednesday nights. He was a lifelong volunteer, helping at the Hershey Medical Center, the Mohler Center, and Congregate Meals. Most importantly, he was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother.
Services and burial will be private at the Indiantown Gap National Cemetery with full military honors. Family and friends may view the services livestream on Monday, February 8, 2021, at 11:00 AM or any time following the services at www.matinchekfuneralhome.com and going to William’s memorial page.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Central PA, 1320 Linglestown Rd., Harrisburg, PA 17110 or to the Lower Swatara Fire Department, ATTN: Treasurer, 1350 Fulling Mill Road, Middletown, PA 17057.