Obituaries

Richard P. “Rick” Smith, 61

Richard P. “Rick” Smith, 61, of Lancaster, passed away Saturday, July 7, 2012 at Hospice of Lancaster County Essa Flory Center. Born in Latrobe, PA he was the son of Sara J. (Ramsey) Smith, of FL, and the late Joseph P. Smith.

Rick was a 1969 graduate of Derry Area High School. He received his RN license from St. Francis School of Nursing.

He worked for Snavley & Dosch Inc. as a warehouse manager since 1976.

Rick was a member of Ebenezer Evangelical Church in Brownstown.

His club memberships included the Hubley Social Club, Vagabond Car Club, the VFW of Mount Joy and Manheim, and a life member of the American Legion Post #56. He was president of Commercial Travelers Association, and past president of Lancaster County Club Association.  In his free time he enjoyed skiing, golfing, cars, painting with acrylics, especially landscapes, and deer hunting.

Rick served in the U.S. Air Force as a Captain and a Charge Nurse in the I.C.U. He was a Vietnam War Veteran.

Rick is survived by his mother, Sara, a daughter, Kelly Lynn Smith, of Lancaster; a brother, Patrick T. Smith, husband of Janice, of Greensburg, PA, a nephew Bryan, and a niece, Erin.

Funeral Services will be held in the Chapel at Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory 3110 Lititz Pike on Wednesday July 11, 2012 at 7PM with The Rev. Kieth Miller officiating. A visitation will be held at Snyder’s from 4-7PM prior to the service. Interment will be on Thursday at 10AM in Fort Indiantown Gap National Cemetery with Military Honors.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Rick’s memory to Hospice of Lancaster County, 685 Good Drive, Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604 or online at www.hospiceoflancaster.org or Ebenezer Evangelical Church 23 South State Street Brownstown, PA 17508. To send the family online condolences, please visit SnyderFuneralHome.com Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory 717-560-5100

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Rick was a dear, dear friend of mine. He was undoubtely one of the most generous and caring people I have ever met in my life. I had the honor of meeting him in 1997 during a time that was difficult for me. He was a person who helped me through a difficult time. I was fortunate in being able to help him when he had some difficult times.

Rick, the consumate Schnauzer lover, took care of my Schnauzer when I needed his help. I was so happy that he received his new Schnauzer "Cupcake", prior to his untimely demise.

Rick was the ULTIMATE FRIEND. He was, without a doubt, one of the kindest people I ever met in my life.

I am honored to say I knew and loved Rick Smith.

Rest in peace Rick.

Ray Solt

I accompanied Rick on several occasions – dances, functions at "the club", winery tour, dinner. He always spoke well of his love for you Kelly, his mom and his brother. He talked about sometimes leaving his job and going to work w/his brother. Every weekend Sat or Sun, he would wash his truck- even though to me it looked cleaned! On other occassions, he would lend his artistic talents and help me w/a much needed backdrop. He was a good cook and a wonderful friend. He will be missed by so many. May the memories you have, help to ease your pain at this time. My thoughts are with you.

Sincerrely, patty

I am honored to say Rick was one of my friends. He was always there with open arms when I needed help or advice. I could always count on Rick. I couldnt have asked for a better manager at work or president/friend at the C.T.A. I am thankful for him teaching me so many of his recipes so I can continue to make them at feed days at the club. It has been a rough couple of years for Rick but his pain is now gone. And thats how I find comfort in this situation. I hope you, his family and friends find comfort in knowing he is happy in Gods loving care now, free of pain.

Like you always told me, Rick… "Follow my good example" I will try. But like I always told you back "that might just get me in more trouble"

Thank you for everything brother. I will miss you greatly. And dont worry, I’ll make sure our little landscaping job at your house will be finished!

Michael Sapone

To Aunt Jean from Susan Brezo,

I am keeping you in prayer during this difficult time. I am so sorry that I won’t be able to make to the funeral as I have to work the rest of the week. But, please know that you are always in my thoughts and prayers, as well as Kelly, Pat, Janice, Bryan and Erin. God be with you all during this time of loss. My heart goes out to you all. Aunt Jean, please call me before 2pm, at 321-474-9401.

Love you! Susan

Rick was one of my regular customer’s at Uncommon Pizza, and I can honestly say he was a true delight to be around. He always had a kind word to say and kept a smile on all of our faces….. I just learned of his passing last evening when his daughter stopped into the restaurant and was terribly sorry to hear that he lost his battle. I, being a cancer survivor myself, had a kinship with Rick that I understood what he was going through and felt for his situation. My condolences are with the family.

Jenn Lane
Manager, Uncommon Pizza

Rick called me two weeks before he went into Hospice, telling me good bye that he only had a couple of weeks left. That was back in June. We sent him a card & asked to keep up dated on his condition. Don’t know if he received that card or not. After a couple of months went by I started to search the internet & was saddened to find Rick passed away in July.

Sue & I had been friends with Rick for over 30 years involved in showing & judging antique cars. We moved to South Carolina 11 years ago & talked with Rick every Christmas by phone. We hadn’t seen him since we moved but was aware of his health condition.

Rick was a long time dear friend & we are both so shocked a guy as good of a man as he was had to suffer so.

Our condolences to all the family & hope to hear from Kelly.

Think of you many times as we are still showing our 59. You sure left a gap in many different worlds that won’t be filled.

Your friends from Pa. & South Carolina

Dick & Sue Trythall

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