Oliver R. “Rick” Smith, 78

Oliver Richard “Rick” Smith, 78, of East Rochester, passed peacefully to be with Jesus, his Lord and Savior, with his loving wife by his side holding him and singing softly while surrounded by their children at Mercy Medical Center on Sunday, Dec. 12, 2021.  

Born Sept. 25, 1943, in New Castle, PA, he was adopted by Oliver and Marjorie Ann (Simpson) Smith.

Rick was a member of Faith Fellowship and enjoyed the worship services each Sunday. He enjoyed listening to gospel music and playing the hammer dulcimer. He spent Sunday afternoons at Randy’s barn and sitting on the swing with Essie. He loved picnics and nature walks along the lake and enjoyed feeding the birds and rescuing injured birds. He enjoyed fishing and spending time with his kitties.  He was a Ham radio operator known as Smitty KC8TJQ, a broadcaster for Hams for Christ, and loved riding motorcycles. Family gatherings were very important times for him. 

Rick is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Esther Leah (Burford) Smith of East Rochester; two daughters, Christine Leah Coblentz of Louisville and Kathrine Ann (Randy Manning) Miller of Uniontown; two sons: Richard Allen (Christine) Smith of Beloit and Kevin Duane Dulaney of Clearwater FL; six grandchildren, Rachelle (Jeremy) Miller-Harris, Quinn Miller, Gavin Oliver Yoder, Robert (Heather) Dulaney, Cody Dulaney and Patrick Smith; a great-granddaughter, Abigail Dulaney; and a sister, Loretta (Nathan) Glassel of Grove City PA.

In addition to his adoptive parents, Rick was preceded in death by his birth mother, Alice McCormish-Zook; a brother, David Zook; and a sister, Kate McClimans.

Funeral service will be held Thursday, Dec. 16, at 11 a.m. at Faith Fellowship, 24604 SR 30, East Rochester, with Pastor Chet Howes of Faith Fellowship officiating. Burial will follow at Moultrie Cemetery. Visitation will be held Dec. 15 from 4-7 p.m. at Faith Fellowship.

Friends may express condolences at www.bartleyfuneralhome.com.