Larry J. Smith

Larry J. Smith, 80, of Derry, died Monday, July 15, 2024 at his home with his family by his side. He was born May 5, 1944, in Latrobe, a son of the late Frank J. and Helen (Harrold) Smith. Larry was a 1962 graduate of Derry Area High School. Prior to retirement he worked for EWCTC and prior to that he had worked for ICI and Westinghouse. Larry was a US Army National Guard Veteran having served during the Vietnam War. He was a member of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church of Derry, Derry Rod and Gun Club, The Frontier Club, Huber Hall, and the Greek Club. Larry enjoyed all kinds of sports, spending time with his friends and family, golfing, and especially watching his grandchildren participating in all of their activities. Larry was an exceptional basketball player in his younger years. Besides his parents Larry is preceded in death by his sister Karen L. Matteo. Larry is survived by his wife of nineteen years Diana E. (Dillon) Smith of Derry; six children Brock Smith and wife Colleen, Justin Dillon and wife Kaitlyn, Tim Smith, Lettie Joles, Daniel Schaar and wife Kasie, and Hattie Evans and husband Bill; one brother-in-law Eugene J. Matteo; 16 grandchildren Dolly Florido and Phil, Alexis Harris and Bruce, Xoie Rhoades, TJ Joles, Irish Bialas and Riley Thompson, Lanna Bialas, Grant Smith, Dalton Joles, Feena Evans, Romeo Joles, Kagome Calabrese, Berkley Smith, Petda Calabrese, Mary Lucille Evans, Georgia Evans, and Hunter Dillon; fur children Rose and Sammie; seven great grandchildren Mayella Brady, Chayton Stiffy, Valentino Florido, Naylor Harris, CarmelaRose Harris, Lucke Harris, Poppie Evans; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Family will receive friends for Larry’s Life Celebration 2-4 and 6-8 Wednesday, July 17, 2024 in the Matthew X. Merlin Funeral Home, Inc. 529 N. Chestnut St. Derry 724-694-8331. The Latrobe Derry Veterans Honor Guard will conduct Military Honors 9:45AM, Thursday July 18, 2024, in the funeral home. A Funeral Service will follow 10 AM in the funeral home with Pastor William A. Schaefer officiating. Online condolences may be made to www.merlinfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704 Hagerstown, MD 21741.

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