Richard L. "Dick" Smith

Richard L. (Dick) Smith, age 82, of New Brighton, passed away on Wednesday, December 27, 2023. Born August 10, 1941, in Beaver, he was son of the late John L. and Leone (Eberman) Smith Sr. Dick, he was a 1959 graduate of Beaver High School, completed an apprenticeship, was a tool and die maker and a third shift Fire Chief at Westinghouse in Beaver. He served on the board of directors of Westinghouse Beaver Federal Credit Union several years. He was a part time Daugherty Township Policeman, and a charter member of the Beaver County Tactical Unit. He was 32nd Degree Master Mason with over 60 years of membership with the New Brighton Lodge and 50 years at the New Castle Lodge. He taught NRA pistol classes for over 35 years, he was a Director for the Beaver County Rifle and Pistol League. He was a member of the Pennsylvania Federation of Sportsman, past board member of the Pine Run Sportsman Club, Life member of the NRA, past President of the Beaver County Sportsman League, past President of the Beaver County Recreational Board, and he initiated the first NRA banquet in Beaver County and served as Chairman of the NRA banquets for several years following. He was currently Vice Chairman of the Beaver County Conservation District. Dick was a member of Oak Grove Lutheran Church. What pleased him the most was having his family with him at his hunting camp in Kossuth, PA.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years; Zelda (Freshcorn) Smith; two sons, who meant the world to him; Richard L. (Pastor Angela) Smith, and Jeffrey B. (Beverly) Smith. Also surviving are three grandchildren; Richard C. Smith, Samantha Davis, and Cody Davis. Also surviving is a sisters in law; Helen Jean Smith, Betty Keck, a brother in law Donald (Kay) Freshcorn, as well as several nieces, nephews and great nieces and great nephews.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a brother John L. Smith Jr., his mother in law and father in law; Clyde and Dorothy Freshcorn, and a brother in law Pastor George Keck.

A celebration of life will be held at a future date. Arrangements by the SAUL-GABAUER FUNERAL HOME, INC., 273 Route 68, Rochester (adjacent to the Sylvania Hills Memorial Park Mausoleum). If desired, memorial contributions can be made to the Beaver County Conservation District, the NRA, Oak Grove Lutheran Church, or a charity of your choice.