Donald F. "Don" Smith

Donald F. "Don" Smith, aged 87, of Glenolden PA, passed away peacefully on Sept. 5, 2023.

Born in West Philadelphia PA, Don was the son of the late Gertrude (Mervine) and Thomas P. Smith. He spent his formative years in the St. Rose of Lima Parish and proudly graduated from St. Thomas More High School.

Don’s lifelong passion for golf began during his teenage years when he worked as a caddie at Overbrook Golf Club. Following high school, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he dedicated over nine years of service, achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant and specializing in missile guidance systems. During his military tenure, Don wed Mary Lou (Swank) and together they had six children while stationed at various Air Force bases across the country. Eventually they settled and raised their family in Glenolden PA.

Don enjoyed coaching his daughters in softball and passionately played in softball leagues into his 70s. He had a deep love for reading, especially history, military, and espionage novels. He cherished music from the 1940s and 1950s, classic movies spanning the 1930s through the 1950s, and the challenge of the New York Times crossword puzzle. He was an avid participant in his “Misfits” Monday and Wednesday golf leagues. Don also maintained a strong connection with his alma mater, St. Thomas More, regularly attending communion breakfasts, reunions, and a monthly lunch with his fellow Class of 1953 alumni.

Throughout his life, one constant source of community was the American Legion Murray Stuart Post 566, which he joined in 1972. He engaged in various leagues, including golf, shuffleboard and softball. Don proudly initiated Friday night bingo at the Legion, a tradition he rarely missed over the past decade.

Don was preceded in death by his son Donald F. Smith Jr. He is survived by Mary Lou (Swank) Smith, and their children Deborah (Thomas) Brooks, Linda (William) Piszker, Barbara (The late Leonard) Carr, Patricia (Stephen) Hebert, and Sandra Smith, along with nine grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren. He was the beloved brother of Janet (Smith) Rosenlund and the late Thomas P. Smith Jr. 

Relatives and friends are invited to pay their respects at his Viewing on Tuesday Sept. 12, 2023 9am, St. George Church, 22 E. Cooke Avenue, Glenolden, PA 19036. A Funeral Mass will follow at 10:30am in the Church. Interment will be at SS. Peter & Paul Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Don’s memory to American Legion Murray Stuart Post 566, 35 S Glen Ave., Glenolden, PA 19036.

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