The Life of William E. Smith
William Edward Smith was born in Philadelphia, PA on May 30, 1938, and died May 9, 2016 after a long illness.
He attended Catholic parochial schools and graduated from Northeast Catholic High School for Boys in 1956. After proudly serving in the United Stated Marine Corps for three years, he worked as a chemical technician at the Philco Corporation, US Gasket company, and Pennsalt Chemicals. He completed a Bachelor of Science degree through the LaSalle College Evening Division in 1965. A PhD in organic chemistry from Purdue University in 1969 was followed by post doctoral work at Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Bill joined the General Electric Research Center in Schenectady, New York, as a scientist and branch manager and enjoyed working there for nearly twenty years. His research resulted in numerous technical publications and forty patents with special recognition for his work on 1-4 butanediol. In 1988, Bill became the Director of Chemical Research at the Polaroid Corporation in Cambridge, Massachusetts and retired in 1996 to pursue his diverse interests. In 2015, he was recognized as a 50-year member of the American Chemical Society.
In his retirement, he enjoyed golf, jazz and classical music, political news, and especially stewarding his woodland in Lewis, New York.
Bill is predeceased by his parents, William Z. and Margaret (Scheero) Smith. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Catherine Metz Smith, daughter Laura Richardson and son-in-law Gilbert; son Carl Smith and daughter-in-law Soo Son; grandchildren Maretta and Calvin; brother Raymond E. Smith; nieces and nephews and mother-in-law Gladys Metz.
Arrangements are being made by Bringhurst Funeral Home, at West Laurel Hill Cemetery, 225 Belmont Avenue, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004. www.forever-care.com
Visitation will begin at 10 AM followed by an 11 AM service and burial on Monday, May 16, 2016.
The staff and caregivers at his Sunrise home in Haverford PA gave him unending understanding and kindness during his stay with them. Contributions in Bill’s memory can be made to The Staff Appreciation Fund at Sunrise of Haverford, 217 Montgomery Avenue, Haverford PA 19041.
He attended Catholic parochial schools and graduated from Northeast Catholic High School for Boys in 1956. After proudly serving in the United Stated Marine Corps for three years, he worked as a chemical technician at the Philco Corporation, US Gasket company, and Pennsalt Chemicals. He completed a Bachelor of Science degree through the LaSalle College Evening Division in 1965. A PhD in organic chemistry from Purdue University in 1969 was followed by post doctoral work at Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Bill joined the General Electric Research Center in Schenectady, New York, as a scientist and branch manager and enjoyed working there for nearly twenty years. His research resulted in numerous technical publications and forty patents with special recognition for his work on 1-4 butanediol. In 1988, Bill became the Director of Chemical Research at the Polaroid Corporation in Cambridge, Massachusetts and retired in 1996 to pursue his diverse interests. In 2015, he was recognized as a 50-year member of the American Chemical Society.
In his retirement, he enjoyed golf, jazz and classical music, political news, and especially stewarding his woodland in Lewis, New York.
Bill is predeceased by his parents, William Z. and Margaret (Scheero) Smith. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Catherine Metz Smith, daughter Laura Richardson and son-in-law Gilbert; son Carl Smith and daughter-in-law Soo Son; grandchildren Maretta and Calvin; brother Raymond E. Smith; nieces and nephews and mother-in-law Gladys Metz.
Arrangements are being made by Bringhurst Funeral Home, at West Laurel Hill Cemetery, 225 Belmont Avenue, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004. www.forever-care.com
Visitation will begin at 10 AM followed by an 11 AM service and burial on Monday, May 16, 2016.
The staff and caregivers at his Sunrise home in Haverford PA gave him unending understanding and kindness during his stay with them. Contributions in Bill’s memory can be made to The Staff Appreciation Fund at Sunrise of Haverford, 217 Montgomery Avenue, Haverford PA 19041.
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Unknown
2016.05.13
So sorry to read of Bill's passing. I was Bill's technician for approximately 15 years at GE. He was such a great guy
to work for. I think of the great times we had working together frequently. May he rest in peace.
Posted by David S
2016.05.13
This is sad news. I worked for Bill at GE R and D Center. It was a pleasure and honor to do so. My thoughts go out to his family at this loss.
Posted by Robert D
2016.05.15
It was a great pleasure and privilege to work with Bill at GE. Kay & I also enjoyed many pleasant social times with Bill & Cathy.
Mike
Posted by Mike M
2016.05.16
Bill was like a brother to us, he and Cathy are as much family as friends. Bill and Charlie met at GE and worked together, carpooled together, played sports together. We spent many good times as families together and thoroughly enjoyed and relished our ski weekends every year with the crew...so many laughs!
Our hearts are broken to lose him but know he's in a better place.
Rest in peace dear friend forever in the arms of our Lord., Charlie and Carol
Posted by Charlie and Carol O
2016.05.26
We first met Bill and Cathy over fifty years ago when Bill was in graduate school at Purdue. In addition to chemistry we share a common bond in that we both produced "little Hoosiers" at the same time!
Despite being separated by an ocean, over the years we have remained close friends and shared many enjoyable visits and experiences.
Bill was one of our oldest friends and we will miss him greatly.
Our heartfelt condolences to Cathy and the rest of her family
Esta & Alan Whittingham and family
Posted by Esta & Alan W