Donald J. Smith, Sr.

Donald J. Smith, Sr. passed away peacefully at his residence in Audubon, PA on Thursday, September 28, 2023, with his loving wife by his side. He was 87. Born and raised in New York City, Don enlisted in the United States Navy and served honorably from 1954 to 1962. He married his first wife, Maureen Theresa (Rihm) Smith in November of 1956 and they settled on Long Island where together they raised four sons. Starting out as an elevator mechanic in Manhattan, and then trying his hand at real estate, Don, like his father and grandfather before him, eventually pursued his dream of becoming a policeman and joined the Nassau County Police Department where he went on to serve for 20-years. A hard-working family man, Don often held down three jobs to make ends meet, including owning and operating an auto repair shop. Don was a very skilled mechanic, builder, and painter - talents that were apparent as he tackled all sorts of home remodeling projects.

Not long after Don retired from the police department, he and Maureen eventually relocated as empty-nesters to Wayne, PA where Don took up golf and became Vice President of Glen Hardie Country Club. Sadly, after 44 years of marriage, Maureen passed in 2000. However, to Don’s good fortune, he met Caroline Gengler on a blind date, and the two were married in June 2003.

In 2012, Don and Caroline moved to Shannondell Retirement Community in Audubon where he became actively engaged in various activities, not least being running the Men’s Billiards League and Traveling Team. In addition to his newfound love of pool, Don’s passions included crossword puzzles, reading, mostly crime mysteries and espionage novels, and travel, especially ocean cruises.

He was a member of St. Teresa of Avila Church, where he served as an usher.

Born in Queens, NY on December 1, 1935, he was a son of the late John Joseph and Myrtle Ann (Reid) Smith.

In addition to his wife, Caroline, Donald is survived by his four sons: Donald J. Smith, Jr and his wife, Amy, David J. Smith and his wife, Amma, Dennis E. Smith and his wife, Cindy, and Daniel J. Smith and his wife, Jennifer; 2 stepdaughters, Terry and Lori; 14 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren.

Don was a devoted, loving father, husband, and friend and will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

He is preceded in death by his first wife, Maureen Teresa Smith; his sister, Eileen Cummins; his stepson, Richard Gengler.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Don’s viewing at St. Teresa of Avila Church, 1260 S. Trooper Rd., Audubon, PA 19403 on Wednesday, October 4, 2023 from 8:45-9:45, with his Funeral Mass starting at 10:00am. Interment will be in Washington Crossing National Cemetery on October 5, 2023 at 10:00am.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Don’s memory to Tunnel to Towers Foundation at T2T.org.

Arrangements are by the Szpindor-Meyers Funeral Home, Trooper, PA.

Condolences to the family at www.Meyersfh.com