Thomas E. Smith

Thomas E. Smith, 70, of Kutztown, died peacefully, Wednesday, December 6, 2023, in the in-patient hospice unit of Lehigh Valley Hospital, Allentown. Tom was the loving husband of Sharon L. (Snyder) Smith. They were married January 5, 1974. Born in Allentown, Thomas was a son of the late Earl and Ellave (Hopper) Smith. From the age of five, Tom was raised by foster parents, the late Ira and Grace (Ziegler) Shetter.

Thomas was a graduate of Brandywine Heights Area High School, Class of 1971. Tom worked at the Former Construction Fasteners, Inc., Wyomissing, in several positions for over 24 years. Following his time at Construction Fasteners, Tom moved into auto sales for several dealerships, retiring in 2016 from Haldeman Ford, Kutztown.

Thomas was a former member of the Kutztown Jaycees, a long-time member of Kutztown Optimist Club, serving as its president, 1989-1990 and as a coach and referee for the youth basketball program and T-ball program. Tom was also an active member of the Kutztown Youth Athletic Association (K.Y.A.A.), serving as a coach of boys baseball while his sons were participating. Later, Tom, served as a girl's softball coach and for many years as an umpire for both baseball and softball.

Tom made many friends in his years as a "board member" at Mr. Food in Kutztown, trading insults around the pickle barrel.

In addition to his wife of nearly 50 years, Sharon, Tom is survived by two sons: Chad A., husband of Shannon R. (Lutz) Smith, Kutztown; and Joel T., husband of Elaine R. (Harchuska) Smith, Orwigsburg, Schuylkill County. Other survivors include grandchildren: Rylee E. Smith and Holden O. Smith. There are also sisters-in-law: Dawn M. (Snyder), wife of Gregg Geschwindt, Blandon; Susan (Schaeffer) Snyder, Union Dale, Susquehanna County; Step Mother-in-Law MaryAnn Snyder, Palm Coast, FL; and several nieces and nephews.

Per Tom's request, there will be no funeral services.  A visitation with family will be held on Sunday, January 7, 2024, from 1 - 4 pm at Kutztown Beneficial Association Social Quarters, lower level of the Kutztown Fire Co.  Please use the entrance in the back.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made in Tom's memory to Optimist Club of Kutztown, PO Box 173, Kutztown, PA 19530-0173 or Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Ludwick Funeral Homes and Cremation Care, Inc., Kutztown, is in charge of arrangements. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.Ludwickfh.com