David A. Smith, 82, of Murrysville, passed away peacefully in the presence of his loving family Monday, August 8, 2022, at Forbes Hospital in Monroeville. He was born August 9, 1939, in Greensburg, son of the late Sylvester and Gertrude Lieb Smith. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Pearl Smith, and his daughter, Karen Christine Smith.
“Dave” attended The Pennsylvania State University where he was a member of Phi Kappa Theta fraternity. He graduated with a BS in Chemistry and went on to work for PPG during his early career. After PPG, he took a position with Alcoa laboratories in New Kensington. During his tenure with Alcoa he oversaw all new product development projects that resulted in 11 US Patents.
After his career at Alcoa, Dave took up teaching at WCCC alongside his wife, where he developed and taught an accredited wine course.
Throughout his life Dave had a passion for golf which drove him to become an active member at Oakmont CC and Willowbrook CC. Dave had travels throughout the US and Europe to some of the most elite golf courses in the world. His passion for golf was shared equally by his family members where they spent years bonding and building beautiful memories together.
As a child, Dave was fascinated by magic. This fascination led him to a lifelong study which allowed him to perform amateur shows with the stage name “Magic Dave”. He was a member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians attaining the status “Order of Merlin”.
After graduating from Penn State, Dave continued to stay actively engaged with the university through their athletic department as an on-going season ticket holder for the football program, while additionally assisting the coaching staff through local talent recruiting needs.
Dave was described by his friends and family as a compassionate, understanding person who always had time to listen and lend a helping hand. He had a thirst for knowledge, reading and studying many interests. He would often be described by his family members as “The knower of all things”.
Above all, Dave was a husband endeared by his wife, a father cherished by his children and a grandfather loved by his grandchildren and known to them as “Pappy”.
Dave will be missed by his daughter, Kelly J. Rupprecht; his son, Warren D. (Sara) Smith; four grandchildren, Allison, Michelle, Haley and Gavin. He is also survived by two brothers, Thomas Scott Smith and Terry (Reta) Smith. Arrangements entrusted to Hart Funeral Home, Inc. In lieu of flowers, please arrange for masses to be said for David Smith through Seraphic Mass Association. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10 am on Wednesday, August 17, 2022, at Mother of Sorrows Church in Murrysville. Interment will be private at Plum Creek Cemetery. www.hartfuneralhomeinc.com