William E. Smith, 86, a former resident of Forty Fort, currently a resident of Pottstown, passed away peacefully on Friday morning, March 29, 2013, at Pottstown Memorial Medical Center, Pottstown.

His beloved wife was the late Rose M. (Kuharcik) Smith, who passed away on February 28, 1981. Together, Bill and Rose shared 27 beautiful years of marriage.

Born on October 02, 1926 in Luzerne, William was the son of the late W. Ashton Smith and Pauline (Cleaver) Smith.

Raised in Luzerne, Bill attended the former Luzerne High School. Following their marriage, Bill and Rose relocated to Forty Fort, where Bill resided for 51 years.

A United States Navy Veteran, Bill honorably served his country during World War II in the Pacific Theatre. During his time of service, he was decorated with the Pacific Theatre Ribbon, the American Theatre Ribbon and the World War II Victory Medal. Upon his honorable discharge on May 27, 1947, Bill had attained the rank of Seaman First Class.

Prior to his retirement, Bill was employed for many years as the office manager for the former Kanaar Corporation, Kingston. Following his retirement, Bill became employed by the Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Commerce, working as the attendant at the Irem Temple Parking Lot in Wilkes-Barre.

Bill was a past member of the former Saint Hedwig’s Roman Catholic Church, Kingston.

An avid fan of the Penn State Nittany Lions, Bill always looked forward to watching his favorite team play. He also had a passion for playing various card games with his family.

Family was the greatest enjoyment Bill had throughout his life. He lived for family get-togethers and he truly cherished each moment he had with his loved ones.

Many will remember Bill for his infectious smile. His smile was not only recognized by his family and friends, it was also recognized by the countless number of people he greeted every morning while he worked at the Irem Temple Parking Lot in Wilkes-Barre. It will most certainly be that smile which will continue to live on in the hearts of many.

In addition to his parents, W. Ashton and Pauline Smith, and his wife, Rose, Bill was preceded in death by his twin sister, Elizabeth Delaney; his brothers, Clinton, Ira and Herbert Smith; his sister, Virginia Morris.

Bill is survived by his children, Jacqueline Hann and her husband Bruce, of Trucksville; William J. Smith and his wife Janeann, of Jackson Township; Beth Ann Stair and her companion Thomas Skudalski, of Wilkes-Barre; and David Smith and his wife Susan, of Pottstown; his grandchildren, Bruce J. (Darlinda) Hann, Chris (Erica) Hann, Karen Hann, Mahnon Smith, William Smith, Leslie (Dan) Erickson, Gary Stair, Ryan Dinkelocker and Cole Smith; his great-grandchildren, Christopher, Arionna, Cameron, Daniel “D.J.”, Nicholas and Kayleigh; many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and Friends are respectfully invited to attend the funeral which will be conducted on Wednesday, April 03, 2013, at 9:15 AM from the Wroblewski Funeral Home, Inc., 1442 Wyoming Avenue, Forty Fort, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10:00 AM in Saint Therese’s Church, 64 Davis Street, Shavertown, with the Reverend Richard A. Zavacki, officiating.

Interment with the Rite of Committal will follow in Mount Olivet Roman Catholic Cemetery, Carverton, where Military Honors will be accorded by the United States Navy.

Family and Friends are invited to call on Tuesday, April 02, 2013, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM, at the funeral home.

For additional information or to send the Smith Family an online message of condolence, you may visit the funeral home web-site www.wroblewskifuneralhome.com.

In Lieu of Flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made in Bill’s memory to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, Attn: Donor Services, P.O. Box 650309, Dallas, Texas 75265-0309 or to the American Heart Association, 613 Baltimore Drive, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania 18702.