Michael D. “Smitty” Smith, 79, of Douglassville, formerly of Bradford, passed away Sunday, April 10, 2022, at Topton Nursing Home in Topton.
Born August 28, 1942, in Akron OH, he was a son of the late Stanley “Dale” and Anna May (Kressler) Smith. He graduated from Bradford High School in 1961.
On July 3, 1965, at the First United Methodist Church, he married Ruth E. (Clyne) Smith who survives.
In his younger years, Mike managed a music store in Bradford. Shortly after his marriage, he joined the United States Air Force and served his country for 11 years. Mike was a Vietnam combat veteran and was incredibly proud to have served his country. He also was a member of the National Guard.
After the service Michael returned to his hometown of Bradford and began working with his father at Smith’s Watch and Clock Shop located on Mechanic Street. Mike apprenticed with his father and eventually earned the designation of a Master Watch and Clock builder. He continued to work with his father and mother at the Watch and Clock shop as a third generation apprenticed craftsman until his father’s death in 1997. He then took over the family business until he retired in 2015.
Michael was an avid boater and fisherman. His fish stories entertained but far outweighed the fish he actually caught at Willow Bay; he never gave up trying to catch that prized, monstrous walleye or muskie. He loved to ride his motorcycle and gave his time and talents to the Boy Scouts, area youth leagues, and his beloved his hometown of Bradford.
Mike was an energetic, involved, and loving grandfather to Bradley DeMild, Justin DeMild, Scott DeMild, and Alexander Smith. His “life is a party” attitude will be sorely missed. Surviving are his wife of 56 years, Ruth (Dee) Smith, son Stanley Smith and daughter-in-law Adele (Viggiani) Smith of Harrisburg, and daughter Jennifer DeMild and son-in-law Brian DeMild of Douglassville, and his grandchildren.
Smitty was a member of the Masonic Lodge # 749, American Legion Post 108, and the VFW Post 212, all in Bradford.
Private funeral services will be held for family and invited guests on Friday, April 15, 2022, at the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes, Inc., with son-in-law Brian DeMild officiating. Michael will be buried with Full Military Honors to be accorded by the United States Air Force and the Honor Guard of the American Legion Post 108 of Bradford at Willow Dale Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the donor's charity of choice.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.
Online condolences may be made at www.hollenbeckcahill.com