Obituary
Ronald J. Smith (February 16, 1942 – August 20, 2020)
Ronald J. Smith, 78, of New Oxford, entered into God’s eternal care on Thursday, August 20, 2020 at his home, surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of Margaret M. “Marge” (Hockensmith) Smith with whom he shared 59 years of marriage. Born February 16, 1942 in Hanover, he was the son of the late John H. and Nadine C. (Shorb) Smith. Ron was retired from ESAB in Hanover after 38 ½ years of service. He was a 1960 graduate of Delone Catholic High School in McSherrystown and a combat veteran proudly serving his country in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. Ron was a member of Sacred Heart Basilica in Hanover, where he was an Eucharistic Minister for 10 years, a member of the Hanover American Legion, McSherrystown Knights of Columbus and the McSherrystown Home Association, where he enjoyed playing gin with his buddies. Ron also enjoyed spending time with his family, friends, and especially his grandchildren. Surviving in addition to his and wife are four children, Dr. Douglas M. Smith and wife Dr. Rebecca of Clarion, Dr. Brent A. Smith and wife Anne of Lebanon, Stephanie Gerlach of East Berlin, and Jodi A. Wilson and husband Brian of New Oxford; eight grandchildren, Emily and Caroline Gerlach, Madeline and Caleb Smith, Jacob Smith and wife Carrie, Maeve (Smith) Zdarko and husband Trenton, and Abigail and Sarah Wilson; his great-granddaughter, Naomi Zdarko; and a brother, Timothy Smith of Littlestown. He was preceded in death by a sister, Diane Stump. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, August 24, 2020 at Sacred Heart Basilica, Hanover with Rev. Joseph R. Howard as celebrant. Burial will follow in the parish cemetery with military honors provided by the Hanover Allied Veterans Honor Guard. Friends and relatives will be received at Murphy Funeral Home, 501 Ridge Ave. McSherrystown on Sunday, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. with prayers held at 4:00 p.m. Due to COVID-19 masks will be required for those in attendance. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Ron may be made to St. Teresa of Calcutta Primary School, 55 Basilica Drive, Hanover, PA 17331, or Sacred Heart Basilica, 30 Basilica Drive, Hanover, PA 17331, or Delone Catholic High School, 140 S. Oxford Ave. McSherrystown, PA 17344.
This obituary was originally published here.
