Obituary of Richard Bryant Smith

Richard Bryant Smith, 73, of State College, died Wednesday, March 28, 2018, at home.

Born January 31, 1945, in Scranton, he was the son of the late Richard L. Smith and Marion B. Smith. On June 13, 1981 he married Virginia Carol Wolfe.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by two daughters, Jennifer Rauch and her husband, Kent, of State College, and Marion Kilker and her husband Jonathan, of York; two grandsons, Hunter and Sebastian Rauch; a sister, Suzanne Karg and her husband, James of Springville, and many nieces and nephews.

Richard grew up on Smitholm dairy farm in Springville, well-known for registered Holsteins. He graduated from Elk Lake High School in 1963. After high school, he received his Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Maryland, and both his Master's and Doctoral degrees in Mechanical Engineering from Penn State University, and was a Professional Engineer. He was a member of the Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society, and was a 50 year Mason.

He worked for Penn State in the Applied Research Laboratory, primarily in the area of underwater propulsion, and retired in 1999 after 32 years of service. He stayed active in the operation of the family farm throughout his life, and amassed an extensive collection of International Harvester tractors and farm equipment, as well as a classic Mustang Mach I and other vehicles. He was an avid NASCAR fan.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 7, 2018 from 2:00 to 5:00 at Koch Funeral Home, 2401 S. Atherton St., State College, 16801.

In lieu of flowers, friends are asked to make a contribution to the "Marion B. Smith Trustee Scholarship," 11 Old Main, University Park, PA 16802, or a charity of their choice.

An additional Celebration of Life will be held at a later date in Springville, PA.

Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com or visit us on Facebook.