Obituary of William Edward Smith

William Edward Smith, 67, of State College, died Friday, March 22, 2024, at Mount Nittany Medical Center.

Born February 24, 1957, in Sunbury, he was the son of Jack R. and Verna Deibler Smith, of Pennsylvania Furnace. On May 30, 1981 at the Fairbrook Church in Pennsylvania Furnace, he married Sharon Jackson, who survives.

In addition to his parents and wife, he is survived by two sons, Christopher Smith of State College and Gregory Smith of Philipsburg; one grandson, Francis Smith; his father and mother in-law, Ronald and Dorothy Jackson of West Chester; three aunts: Peg Deibler, Margie Wenrick, and Mary Loy; sister in-law, Ronda Neskie and her husband Mark of Downingtown; brothers in-law: Ron Good of North Apollo, and Ron Jackson and his wife Ida of Cary, NC; two nephews: Allan Neskie and his wife Katie of Maine, and Kevin Neskie and his wife Amy of Pennsylvania; two nieces: Amanda Jackson and her husband Reuben Saavedra of Georgia, and Michelle Wilkinson and her husband Jim; one great-niece Willow Wilkinson; and a cousin Susan Rudy of Pennsylvania.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Joann Good and cousin, Joan Deibler.

Bill was a 1975 graduate of State College High School. He was employed by Penn State University in 1975. He started in Food Services, then Landscaping, followed by the Athletic Department working in Rec Hall in the Equipment Room. Before retiring from Penn State, he worked in the Libraries mailroom.

He was methodist by faith. Bill was a member of a Monday night men's bowling league and he was an ASA Umpire for men's slow-pitch and girls' softball. He was a long time Penn State football season ticket holder and frequently attended Penn State men's basketball games and wrestling matches. He collected baseball cards, enjoyed tenting annually at the Grange Fair and loved spending time with his grandson Francis.

Celebration of Life will be held at 6:00pm on Thursday, March 28, 2024 at Koch Funeral Home, 2401 S. Atherton St., State College, PA with Rev. Jeffery F. Thoms officiating, Chaplain at Mt. Nittany Medical Center.

Burial will be private on a later date at Fairbrook Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Lance and Ellen Shaner Cancer Pavilion and to Penn State THON.

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