Obituaries
Monsignor Thomas H. Smith, 83
August 31, 2014
Monsignor Thomas H. Smith, 83, Pastor Emeritus of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Lancaster, PA, and resident of St. Anne’s Retirement Community, Columbia, PA died on August 31, 2014 surrounded by his loving family. Born on May 19, 1931 on a farm near Hanover, PA he was the son of the late Mark S. and Anna M. (Keagy) Smith.
Monsignor Smith graduated from Delone Catholic High School, McSherrystown, PA in 1949, St. Charles College, Catonsville, MD in 1951, St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, Philadelphia, PA in 1957, and was ordained on May 11, 1957 in St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Harrisburg, PA by The Most Reverend George L. Leech.
Monsignor served the Diocese of Harrisburg as a faithful Priest in the following assignments during his 57 years of Priesthood; St. Catherine Laboure, Harrisburg, St. Anne’s, Lancaster, Holy Spirit Hospital, Camp Hill, St. Peter’s, Mount Carmel, St. Joseph’s, Mechanicsburg, St. Columbia, Bloomsburg, St. Paul the Apostle, Annville, St. Joseph’s, Lancaster, Chaplain of Lebanon Valley College, Chaplain of the Lancaster City Police, Chaplain of Knights of Malta, and was a board member of Resurrection School and Lancaster Catholic High School. Monsignor was a tremendous collaborator with the bishops of the Diocese of Harrisburg, including his close friend, William Cardinal Keeler, Archbishop Emeritus of Baltimore.
Monsignor was very influential and active in ecumenical activities, the Organ Historical Society, and serving the poor. In addition, he was the Catholic Auxiliary Chaplain for the U.S. Army and National Guard for 20 years at Fort Indiantown Gap, Annville, PA.
Monsignor Smith was the oldest of thirteen children. He is survived by nine siblings, Dolores A. Bryon, of Littlestown, Kathleen M. Smith, Donald J. Smith, husband of Corrine, both of Hanover, Sister Mary Mark Smith SCC, of Mendham, NJ, Mary Ann Roberts, wife of Idris, of Mechanicsburg, Sister Thomasine Smith SCC, of Wharton, NJ, Linda T. Mummert, wife of Donald, of McSherrystown, Larry F. Smith, husband of Judy, of New Oxford, Jeanne M. Smith, of Hanover, and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Rose A. Jarbeck, Frances E. Donnelly, wife of Michael, and a brother, Mark S. Smith, Jr.
The Funeral Rites for Monsignor Smith will begin with the Rite of Reception of the Body with Solemn Evening Prayer on Thursday, September 4th, 2014 at 4PM at St. Joseph Catholic Church 440 St. Joseph St. Lancaster, PA 17603. A viewing will follow from 4:30-7PM. The Mass of Transferral will be celebrated at 7PM with The Rev. Allan F. Wolfe as Celebrant and The Rev. David L. Danneker as Homilist; a viewing will follow the evening Mass. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, September 5th at 11AM with the Bishop of Harrisburg, The Most Reverend Ronald W. Gainer, D.D., J.C.L., as Celebrant and The Rev. Allan F. Wolfe as Homilist. A viewing will precede this Mass from 9-11AM at the church. A third Mass and viewing (8-9:45AM) will be celebrated on Saturday, September 6th at 10AM at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus of Conewago, 30 Basilica Dr. Hanover, PA 17331 with The Reverend James Lease as Celebrant and The Reverend Lawrence McNeil as Homilist. Final commendation and farewell will be in the adjoining church cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made in Monsignor Smith’s memory to the Stained Glass Window Fund at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church 440 St. Joseph St. Lancaster, PA 17603 or to the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus of Conewago Restoration Fund 30 Basilica Dr. Hanover, PA 17331.
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Condolences to the Family
September 10, 2014
We will always remember Monsignor Smith as a caring and devout priest. He provided love, faith and support to my parents, Leland and Theona Damon, and to my sister as well. Although we are not members of St. Joseph’s church, we will miss him. He was a friend to our family. Donna and Charles Kilgore
September 04, 2014
On behalf of the Center for Community Peacemaking (LAVORP), I extend our deepest sympathy in the passing of Msgr. Thomas Smith. In addtion to supporting our peace programs through prayers, and his personal and church’s financial support, he was a valued member of our Congregational Relations Committee for a number of years. His contributions will be missed. Blessings to all. Peace, Jon Singer, Executive Director
September 04, 2014
My husband Carl Muller and I would like to send our prayers to your family during this difficult time. Monsignor Smith positively impacted my husband’s life back in 1984 when he assisted Carl with converting to the Catholic faith. This act of kindness is also special to me because Carl and I were able to be married in a Catholic Church in October of 2012. I am a former Catholic school teacher from N.J. Our marriage has a strong foundation based on our Catholic faith and Monsignor Smith provided Carl with the special guidance,support ,and encouragement that so truly represents our Christian beliefs. May God bless all of you and may His Angels surround you, with warm regards,Michele and Carl Muller
September 04, 2014
Although not mentioned in his obituary, Msgr. Thomas Henry Smith was also the Carmelite Spiritual Assistant to the Holy Family Community of Discalced Secular Carmelites from its beginning in October 2000, almost 14 years. When possible, Msgr. Smith would meet with the Carmelites at their monthly meetings at St. Joseph’s. Msgr. Smith shared fellowship with the Carmelites and gave a Reflection on a Carmelite or related theme. Msgr. Smith also led the Carmelites on most of their Days of Recollection and Annual Weekend Retreats. Msgr. Smith led his last August 2013 Carmelite Retreat at Mariawald on Carmelite Spirituality. Msgr. Smith celebrated Masses and was the Confessor during these retreats and imparted great love, wisdom and compassion. Although we will deeply miss this “good and faithful servant,” this holy and faithful priest, we are confident that Msgr. Smith is interceding for us all from the kingdom of heaven.
John Brooks Randle, OCDS
September 04, 2014
My condolences to the family of Monsignor Smith. May his soul rest in perfect peace. Amen. May the Lord strengthened you all to bear the loss of your brother and friend. Rev. Fidelis Umukoro, O.P. Good Shepherd Church, Camp Hill PA.
September 04, 2014
Our sympathy and prayers to those of Monsignor’s family. I served as Organist/Choir Director at Saint Joseph’s Parish from 1997-2002. In those few years, my family and I were so fortunate to get to know Monsignor. He welcomed my family and cared for us. He loved everyone. He was the “People’s Priest”. I certainly admired his love for music and especially the organ. It is a sad time for us but a GLORIOUS day in heaven as he has been welcomed into our Lord’s loving arms. I can just picture Monsignor smiling from ear to ear. We will cherish the memories we had with him.
September 03, 2014
What a great priest! I have known him since I was a kid. I worked closely with him when I served as Lay Director of the Diocese of Harrisburg Cursillo Movement. What a gem! I rejoice with his family and friends that he is now enjoying everlasting happiness with the Lord he love so much and served so faithfully!
-Michael Ciccocioppo, Executive Director, Pennsylvania Pro-Life Federation
September 03, 2014
From First Communion, Alter Boy, Boy Scout ceremonies, and later my marriage to my wife 28 years ago at St Paul’s, Fr. Tom watch me grow. Rest in Peace Fr. Tom… May God Bless his entire family.
September 03, 2014
Dear Sr. Thomasine & all your family.
So sorry to hear of Fr. Tom’s passing. He put up such a good fight but now is at peace with the Lord.
You are all in my thoughts & prayers,
Joan Handte
September 03, 2014
I was sorry to hear of Msgr. Smith’s passing. He was an exceptional man and priest. I met him when he was Chaplain for the PA Army National Guard. I attended many of the masses and religious services he performed at Ft. indiantown Gap. He will be missed by all.
Joseph Kucharik Jr, CW4 Army Retired
September 02, 2014
Loving prayers and sympathy upon the death of Monsignor Smith (“Fr. Tom) We rejoice in his fidelity and in the loving memories we have of him. Please be assured of our prayers for each of your family. It is always hard to have to “let go” of those we love, but even as Blessed Pauline von Mallinckrodt has said, “How could I ever forget you in heaven, when I never forgot you on earth!” May her words and our Faith be a source of strength and comfot. Sister Mary Emmanuel and the Sisters of the Visitation of Wilmington/ Tyringham
September 02, 2014
Monsignor Smith – A wonderful person, a great priest, a special mentor to all of us. Because of Monsignor Smith, I am fulfilled as a catholic and able to receive the sacraments. I am a better person today – thank you Monsignor – we will miss you. God Bless You.
Patricia Roschel Coomes – St. Joseph Parish
September 02, 2014
Rest in Peace Cousin Tom. You will be missed. Janet and Leitha
- Visitation
- Thursday, September 04, 2014
- 4:30 PM - 7:00 PM
- St. Joseph Catholic Church
- 440 St. Joseph St.
- Lancaster, PA 17601
- Map and Directions
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Get Maps and Directions > - Visitation
- Friday, September 05, 2014
- 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
- St. Joseph Catholic Church
- 440 St. Joseph St.
- Lancaster, PA 17603
- Map and Directions
-
Get Maps and Directions > - Visitation
- Saturday, September 06, 2014
- 8:00 AM - 9:45 AM
- Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus of Conewago
- 30 Basilica Dr.
- Hanover, PA 17331
- Map and Directions
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Get Maps and Directions > - Services
- Friday, September 05, 2014
- 11:00 AM
- St. Joseph Catholic Church
- 440 St. Joseph St.
- Lancaster, PA 17603
- Map and Directions
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Get Maps and Directions >
