Jacob William Smith

Jacob William Smith of Stafford, VA, formerly of Blairsville, PA, passed away Saturday evening, May 30th, 2026. He was born to Evard E. and Isabel Josephine Angus Smith on March 27, 1937, in Latrobe, PA. He grew up in Cooperstown, PA with his sister, Mary Lou, whom he remained close to until her passing in 2013.

Jacob married the love of his life and his best friend, Kathryn, in 1959 and they were happily married for 56 years before she passed away in 2015. They met while they both worked at Torrance State Hospital and together, they enjoyed traveling to different states, biking on trails, and taking their family on vacation to Ocean City, Maryland. Jacob proudly served in the U.S. Army before entering the work force and retired from Westinghouse. He moved to Stafford, Virginia in 1996 to live with his oldest daughter, Nellie Anne, and her family.

Jacob loved all Pittsburgh sports teams, with a particular admiration for Steelers football. He was also a Penn State football fan. An avid movie watcher and collector, Jacob always had a recommendation or a DVD to share with his grandchildren. He frequently rewatched John Wayne films and Westerns, which stood out as his most cherished favorites. He loved sharing stories of his youth and reminiscing about his favorite people and places. He forged strong bonds and made lasting impacts on his family through card games, shared musings, and travels near and far. He was always excited to take his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren on travel adventures, which, in turn, had a profound and lasting impact on each of them. He never forgot a birthday and took great pride in the accomplishments of his children, his grandchildren, and his great grandchildren. He recently shared that in his life; he is most proud of his family and his marriage.

He is survived by his four children whom he adored: three daughters, Nellie Anne (Tim) Baker of Stafford, VA, Allison (Brian) Ridilla of New Alexandria, PA, and Jacqueline Tarzian of Wilbraham, MA, and his son, Jacob (Robin) Smith of Plum, PA.

Jacob also leaves behind his many loving grandchildren, whom he loved and cherished greatly: Kaylen (Rob) Furner, TJ (Laura) Baker, Allen (Holly) Baker, Kathryn Ridilla, Brian (Sarah) Ridilla Jr, Zike Tarzian, Jaylyn Tarzian, Alexis Smith, and Evan Smith. The adored great grandchildren that he leaves behind are Lydia Baker, Jon Baker, Brian Ridilla III, Blair Ridilla, Reid Furner-Moore, and Wiley Furner-Moore.

He is also survived by his sister-in-law Nellie (Dean) Stewart of San Diego, CA and many loving nieces and nephews too numerous to list.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Kathryn; his cherished and dearly missed son, Allen; his sister, Mary Lou Polinsky; and his parents, Evard and Isabel. He was also preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Mike Polinsky, whom he loved and thought of as a brother.

In honor of Jacob’s wishes, there will be no viewing or service.