Thomas G. Smith, Jr.

Thomas G. Smith, Jr. of Pottsville, age 80, passed away on Monday 10-22-18 at Seton Manor Nursing Home in Orwigsburg, PA.

Born in Pottsville, August 27, 1938, he was the son of the late Dorothy E. & Thomas G. Smith, Sr.

He grew up in Minersville and graduated in 1956 from Minersville High School.  He attended Penn State University for a year and then completed a Municipal Police Course at the PA State Police Academy in Hershey.  He worked for 25 years for the Schuylkill Haven Police Dept. and was the Police Chief for 23 of those of years retiring in 2000.

Smittie was also known as Chief in the Boro and the “bouncer” and life guard at Willow Lake for many years.  Tom enjoyed reminiscing with friends and “Old Lakers” about the Jordan Brothers and swimming at the pool, which was owned by his parents.  He enjoyed flying, worked as a commercial pilot for a few years, and then flew for pleasure from the Joe Zerbey airport with family and friends.  He was also a World War II aviation buff.   He was a member of the AOPA, Airline Owners and Pilots Association and the Minersville Historical Association.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his daughter, Debra A. Roadcap of Cressona.

He is survived by his wife of 27 yrs, Margaret (Peggy) Burns Smith, daughters Wendy Yuengling of Wyomissing, Tammy Freiler and husband Rick of Orwigsburg, Shelly Moyer and husband Dennis of Pottsville.  A stepson, John Eric Cantwell and wife Stacey of Sinking Spring.  A sister, Patricia McManus of Centreville, MD. Six grandchildren, Ben Roadcap, Trent Jacoby, Chad Jacoby, Tia Yuengling, Quentin Moyer and Adam Moyer. 4 Great Grandchildren, and 3 Step Grandchildren.  Two nieces, Jessica Moran of Port Jefferson, NY and Monica Hunt of Alexandria, VA.

A visitation will be held at Geschwindt-Stabingas Funeral Home, Inc. in Schuylkill Haven, from 1 to 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 27th.

A private memorial service will be held at the convenience of the family.