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Obituary from Cantelmi Long Funeral Homes
Donald Charles Smith, 94, went home to be with our Lord on June 20, 2024, in the Health Care Center at Luther Crest, Allentown. He Shared 59 years of a loving marriage with Lois Joy (Everett) Smith until her passing in 2012. Born in Bethlehem, Donald's parents were Preston J. Smith and Winifred L. (Beck) Smith. Donald graduated from Liberty High School in '47. Lehigh University's Marching 97 had Donald "stepping high" with his trombone, graduating with the Class of '51. The Alumni Band of Lehigh kept the marching beat with Donald's participation for decades.
After Lehigh graduation Donald worked for Lehigh Valley Pipe Fabricators. Donald obtained his Certified Public Accountant certification and was employed by Albert R. Eisenhauer C.P.A. His next position was Assistant to the President of the Bethlehem Globe Times. During those years Donald also served as Executive Director of the Globe Times Band Festival. Joel E. Serfass C.P.A. was Donald's final employer.
Throughout his working career, Donald and Lois were very supportive of their children's school, church and extracurricular activities. The Smith vacations often included other families staying at Surf City, Beach Haven, Stone Harbor and Lake Teedyuskung. Donald and several other Hanover Elementary School P.T.A. parents formed the "Hanover Township Society for the Preservation of the Big Band Sound of America" in 1966. For over 50 years Donald looked forward to those rehearsals and performances. Donald, Lois, and many friends enjoyed chaperoning their children's East Hills and Freedom High School Band trips, as well as volunteering at Musikfest. Donald's community service included Bethlehem Rotary Club. An active Rotarian, he became a founding member of the Bethlehem Morning Star Rotary Club. In Hanover Township, Northampton County, Donald was a member of the Planning Commission, the Zoning Board and served as Tax Collector. Donald was a teen member of DeMolay and later a DeMolay Advisor. He was also a Tall Cedars of Lebanon, Scottish Rite and R. W. Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Pa. , for 50 years in 2007.
Upon retiring, "Pop-Pop" and "Mom-Mom" had countless sleepovers for their grandchildren, a few beach vacations, and a trip to Disney World. Pop-Pop loved playing "office", showing them how to use his side lever-operated adding machine and a cash register. Model train time included listening to big band albums on the 78rpm record player. Donald and Lois were proud grandparents attending sporting and concert events. The blessings continued with their presence for their eldest great-grandchildren’s activities. Luther Crest, Allentown, has been Donald's home since 2013. His accounting skills were useful as Treasurer of the Resident's Association. Other activities Donald enjoyed were the Trombone Quartet, Choir, Chime Choir, Model Train Club and playing Bocce Ball.
Survivors: Donald left priceless, caring memories for his daughter, Beth Ann Wright and husband, Geoffrey Wright V.M.D., of Bethlehem; his son, Todd E. Smith and wife, Susan Smith, of Allentown; granddaughters, Sarah Diebert and husband Matthew Diebert, Rebecca Dietrich; grandson ,Gregory Wright; great-grandsons Tyler Rohn, Brady Rohn, Everett Dietrich, Miles Dietrich, William Diebert; great-granddaughter Annalise Diebert; brother-in-law John Webster; nieces and nephews; and dear friend, Gladys Pickering. Donald was predeceased by his sister, Nancy L. Webster; brother-in-law H. Lee Everett; sister-in-law Barbara Everett; nephew Shawn L. Everett.
Service: A Celebration of Donald's Life will be on his 95th birth date, August 16, 2024, at 10 a.m. in Crest Hall, Luther Crest, 800 Hausman Road, Allentown, PA.