In Memory
Harold "Smitty" Smith
October 6, 1940 ~ February 1, 2025
Harold "Smitty" Smith passed away peacefully with his family by his side on February 1, 2025 at the Center For Hospice in Mishawaka, IN. He was born on October 6, 1940 to Peter Smith and Ethel Smith.He graduated from Washington High School in 1959 as one of the last classes from the old Washington High School on Sample Street. On August 5, 1961 he married his high school sweetheart Lillian Broers, with whom he had two sons, and was married until her untimely death in 2005. He found love again with Patricia Elick and they married on February 3, 2007. Smitty and Patricia shared 18 happy years together.
Smitty is survived by his sons Steven (Lisa) Smith and Dennis Smith, stepdaughter Heidi Elick, stepsons Scott (Heather) Elick, Matthew (Kristi) Elick, Jason (Sandy) Elick and Jeff Elick. He will be missed also by 18 grandchildren, 4 great-grand children and various nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his two brothers Peter Smith and Floyd Smith, as well as his sister-in-law Joanne, wife of Peter (Smith).
Smitty worked for Studebaker in the fall of 1959, leaving in 1960 to work for the US Post Office, where he was a letter carrier for 42 years. After retiring, he took a part time job at the South Bend Medical Foundation as a courier for the next 5 years. Enjoying sports, he played in various softball leagues until he was 62 years old. He was also an avid fan of Chicago Cubs baseball and IU sports. Blessed with the 'gift of gab,' Smitty could strike up a conversation with virtually anyone, and often did. His sense of humor, as well as his zest for life came through to everyone he spoke to. He loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them. In addition to his family, he cared greatly about his friends, some of whom he had maintained friendships with for many decades. He will be missed by his entire family, as well as many friends and neighbors.
The family is grateful for the kind and gentle care given to him by the nurses and doctor at the Hospice Center. They ensured that Smitty was comfortable and had the best care possible.
Visitation will be from 4 - 8 pm Thursday, February 6, 2025 at St. Joseph Funeral Home, 824 S. Mayflower Road, South Bend, IN. To honor Smitty's life, services will be held at 11:00 am, Friday February 7 at St. Joseph Funeral Home, with a Polish dinner immediately preceding the service at the American Legion Post #357, 5414 W. Sample Street, South Bend, IN. All are welcome to attend.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Center for Hospice, St. Jude's Children's Hospital or Animal Rescue.
02/04/2025 djb
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