Thomas Sydney Smith
With great sadness, our family’s beloved patriarch, Thomas Sydney Smith, 91, passed away peacefully Friday, March 31, 2023.
He is survived by Carol Smith, his devoted wife of 37 years; two sons, Thomas Lewis Smith and Frank Smith (Amy); three stepchildren, Brian Day (Lindae), Lee Ann Sardo, and Brad Day (Kelly); grandchildren, Dylan Noblesmith, Alex Smith, Mitchell Day, Gabe Noblesmith, Chelsey Day, Emily Smith, James Yoder, Matthew Smith, Corrine Day, Katy Beth Day and Michael Sardo; one great-grandchild, Verity Day.
He was predeceased by brother, Francis Percival Smith; and sister, Rufus Jackson.
He grew up in Madison, Va. and was proud of his Southern heritage. His parents were born in 1889 and they imbued him with unfailing politeness, respectful consideration, and friendliness to all. He uniquely carried these 19th century traits well into the 21st century.
He advanced through school at an accelerated pace and graduated high school at just 16 years old. He obtained a degree in ceramic engineering at Virginia Tech, then in the early 1950s served overseas as a 1st lieutenant in the U.S. Army.
His manufacturing career took him to locations throughout the east and the midwest, eventually settling into the Pittsburgh area in 1972. For decades, he regularly attended Steelers games with his family. For 50 years, he was an active member of Center Presbyterian Church and later served as elder and deacon.
A talented businessman and communicator, he rose to the rank of president at two different companies. But to focus on his career would be to miss the point of the man.
He enjoyed retired life for more than 30 years and vacationed overseas several times.
He loved so generously, and he cared so deeply. With his influence, all of his children and stepchildren went on to lead great, happy lives. He was involved with all of his grandchildren in special ways. For example, as young adults, each of the grandchildren individually went on a week-long driving vacation with him, each of them exploring a region of the country they had not yet seen. He was kind to a fault, and always working to the betterment of future generations.
He enjoyed staying abreast of business news and economic trends. But always, his family was his first priority.
He was truly an amazing man who lived a long and meaningful life, and was a true Christian in both word and deed. He will be mourned deeply. There will never be another man like Thomas Sydney Smith.
“Live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly, leave the rest to God.”
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 12, in Center Presbyterian Church, 255 Center Church Road, McMurray.