Bob “Bubba” Smith, passed away peacefully on August 18th, 2024 after a brief illness moments after his older daughter reassured him, saying “It’s okay, Daddy, you can go, follow the light, and we will all be together again soon.”

He was born on Mother's Day, three months early, to his mother, Ruth M. and Peter J. Smith in Philadelphia PA. His family moved to Jamestown, NY when he was in elementary school where he spent the rest of his childhood years. He did a lot of hunting, fishing, and camping in the abundant woods and gorges around the area. He played the drums in his high school marching band where he once marched backwards across the field at the Cleveland Browns stadium to a standing ovation of 40,000 fans, a point of great pride for him.

In 1970, while attending Dyke Community College in Cleveland and working part-time in the back room of Hayden Miller securities, he met his future wife, Nancy Eileen Lyle Smith. After graduation and marriage, they moved to a suburb of Philadelphia where he spent most of his adult life as a stockbroker, investment advisor, and educator of the next generation of interested investors. All the while, he helped to raise his family of four children, Eleanor Daddesi, currently of Devon PA, Peter Smith of Albuquerque NM, Bryce Smith and Virginia Smith, both of Falls PA.

Bob’s love of fishing led a friend to introduce him to the Susquehanna River in NEPA, where his family enjoyed summers for many years, immersed in the wildlife, the woods, the food, and the people. Upon retirement, Bob and his wife moved permanently to the town of Falls on a property with a beautiful view of the river, where he delighted in watching eagles and hummingbirds and everything in between. After relocating, he left his BNI chapter in Havertown PA, transferring his membership to the Real Connections BNI group in NEPA, marketing in both groups a favorite investment strategy called Trend Trading.

A fan of all sports, “Bubba” especially loved the Philadelphia Phillies and he felt fortunate to have participated in the Phillies Phantasy Camp. Additionally, he enjoyed music, with a particular affection for Oldies. He liked to call himself a life-long learner and was interested in anything and everything. He discovered reading for pleasure when his children were in high school and made up for lost time by reading voraciously, accumulating, loaning, and giving away countless books.

He was a lifelong volunteer: at one time in the Big Brothers organization while in college in Cleveland; later in the Lower Merion Watershed; and as a deacon at Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church, where he also taught Sunday School. After retirement, he honed his skill at creating art and became an active participant in the North Branch Trail Art Alliance recently, proudly adding a column in their quarterly publications. He was the official greeter at their Summer Sessions musical venue, where he wore a broad-brimmed straw hat and welcomed attendees to the concerts with a big hug and the greeting, “Welcome to the Old Carter Barn!” Additionally, he was a beloved member of a Men’s Group at the Falls Active Adult Center, a group of men who became like brothers to him. He and his wife joined the Falls Lions Club, where they were active participants until he fell ill, also helping monthly at Seven Loaves Soup Kitchen in Tunkhannock. Friday mornings were spent at the Avenue Diner in Wyoming, enjoying breakfast with a local group, Just Food, No Politics, where he enjoyed the company and conversation. People gravitated to him because he was such a good friend to and so interested in everyone he met.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Nancy; his children; his two beloved granddaughters, Stella and Ruby Daddesi; a step aunt, Judy Quinn, several step cousins, cousins, nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews; and his brother-in-law, H. T. Taber. He was predeceased by his parents and his sister, Susan Taber, of Coon Rapids, Minnesota, his aunts, Betty Nash, Lillian Zampier, and Marilynn Marter.

There will be a Celebration of Life Service at 11am., at the Harding Church of Christ, 1523 Sullivan Trail, Harding, PA, with a visitation beforehand starting at 10 am on Wednesday September 18^th, 2024.

 In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Falls Active Adult Center (2813 Susquehanna Trail, Falls PA, 18615), where Bob enjoyed many happy moments and friendships during the last few years.

Arrangements are by the Howell-Lussi Funeral Home Inc. 509 Wyoming Avenue, West Pittston.