Former Moravian College VP Dies

Robert H. Smith, 79, of Nazareth, died Monday, July 23, 2012, at home in the presence of his wife, Marian A. (Knecht) Smith, who he was married to for the past 51 years.

Born in Tatamy on July 17, 1933, he was a son of the late Willis F. and Helen C. (Schmueckle) Smith.

He had a 17-year career at and Theological Seminary, retiring as Vice President of Administration in 1992. While in retirement he was named Vice President Emeritus. He had previously served as Controller and Chief Fiscal Officer at Moravian. In addition, he worked at Plummer Precision Optics and at HDW Electronics.

He was a member of in Nazareth where he formerly served as a Deacon and Chairman of the Wills & Memorial Committee.

As a SCORE volunteer, he mentored numerous small business entrepreneurs. He was also a fundraising volunteer for the Memorial Library of Nazareth and Vicinity. He served as Treasurer of the Lehigh Valley Association of Independent Colleges from 1984-1992, and was a member and Treasurer of Mahoning Valley Country Club in Lehighton.

He graduated from Churchman Business College in 1953 with a certificate in Advanced Accounting; Moravian College in 1974 with a B.A. in Economics / Business Administration; and Temple University in 1978 with an M.B.A. in Finance.

He served his country in the Army during the Korean War.

Survivors

In addition to his wife, he is survived by: two sons, Gregory J. Smith and his partner Dawn E. Smith, of Martinsville, NJ, and Matthew P. Smith and his wife Dawn L., of Bethlehem; two grandchildren, Aaron Joel Smith and Daniel Joshua Smith; three nephews, Barry R. Smith, Andrew S. Leh II and Konrad T. Leh. He was pre-deceased by two brothers, William Smith and Richard Smith.

Services

Arrangements are being handled by , 211 E. Center St., Nazareth. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday in St. John's U.C.C., Nazareth. A calling hour from 1 to 2 p.m. will precede the service in the church. Rev. David H. DeRemer will be officiating. A time of fellowship will follow in the church's Fellowship Hall after the service. Interment will be private, at the convenience of the family.

Contributions

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to either the Moravian College Endowment Fund, or to the Parish Nurse Program or Eagle's Wings at St. John's U.C.C. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.schislerfuneralhomes.com.

- Obituary courtesy of Bartholomew-Schisler Funeral Home, Inc.