Earl M. Smith

Earl M Smith, 78, of Plum Borough, passed away Saturday, November 12, 2022, at Montefiore Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA.  He was born August 21, 1944, in Wall, PA, son of the late Earl and Clara (Byrd) Smith.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brother-in-laws, Albino Muro and James Skinner.

Earl grew up in Pitcairn and graduated from Gateway High School and CCAC with degrees in mechanical and electrical engineering while working at the Union Railroad as a Diesel Supervisor. He was the owner and operator of an excavating company.  Later he worked for Franklin Regional School District.

He was an active member of the Plum Jaycees engaged in many community service projects.  Earl served in the US Army during the Vietnam Conflict and was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant.  He loved to build and fix things.  While working at Franklin Regional he loved to interact with Judy’s special needs class.  He would challenge their dexterity by making special wooden projects for them to assemble and take home.  He loved their enthusiasm and how they loved him showing up in class.

When he retired, he collected people’s discarded household items, restored them, and hauled them to the needy in Appalachia.  He enjoyed learning how to “love thy neighbor” as he was the “middle man” between “givers” and “receivers”!

For eight years, Earl battled Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma with radiation and chemotherapy.  He faced the medical challenges of this disease coupled with COPD with a positive attitude.  He was an encouragement to other patients as well as the medical staff.  Where ever Earl saw a need, he tried to take care of it!

While attending the Murrysville Alliance Church, Earl discovered the love of his Heavenly Father and the fellowship with other believers.  The “Prayer Warriors” held him up each day on his medical journey.

Earl will be dearly missed by his loving wife of over 57 years, Linda (Skinner) Smith; two sisters: Shirley Muro, Erva (Bill) Smith, and brother, Walter (Sheryl) Smith; many nieces and nephews.  Earl is also survived by a sister-in-law, Mary Ann Bellora and a brother-in-law, Gary (Carla) Skinner.

A celebration of Earl’s life will be held 10 am, Saturday, December 10th, 2022, at Murrysville Alliance Church with a luncheon following.  Entrusted with the arrangements is Hart Funeral Home, Inc., Murrysville.  www.hartfuneralhomeinc.com