Born on October 11, 1930 in Zanesville Ohio, he was the son of the late Howard and Hilda Lane Smith.
A proud American, Don honorably served his country for 20 years as a Gunnery Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps. His military service included deployments to both Korea and Vietnam. Thereafter, he had a long and successful career, including as the Director of the Redevelopment Authority in Wilkes-Barre, PA, and later as the Director in Nanticoke, PA. He served as Deputy Secretary for the General Services Department in Harrisburg, PA under Governor Dick Thornburg, and later served as Director of Engineering at the Hershey Medical Center in Hershey, PA.
Don was a kind and caring husband and father and a man of honor, integrity, and quiet strength. He was much loved and respected by his friends and family.
An avid tennis player, he also enjoyed reading and traveling. He was a volunteer for the American Red Cross for over 15 years. Throughout his life, Don had a passion for sports. As a young man, he was an accomplished boxer and baseball player, but his passion was tennis. His competitive spirit, determination, and love of the game kept him on the tennis court into his late 80’s.
More than any accomplishment, Don treasured his family. Don and his wife, Mary, shared a remarkable 70-year marriage built on mutual love, unwavering respect, and an abundance of laughter.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Eva Smith; his son, Christopher; his daughter, Pamela Goodin; her children, Alex Goodin (Brittney) and Natalie Baumgardner (Cameron), and their children, Helix and Sidney, respectively; and his daughter, Patricia Sturrock (Ewan). Don was preceded in death by three brothers, Howard Jr, William, and Larry and a sister Bonnie Desaro.
A mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00am on Thursday August 13, 2026 in St. Joseph’s Church, 400 Simpson St., Mechanicsburg, Pa. with Rev. Heidelbaugh as celebrant. A viewing will be held in the church at 10:00am until the time of the mass. A private burial will be held the following Monday at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery in Annville, PA.
