Robert Smith

Robert Smith age 75 of E. Springfield, passed away Thursday, June 5, 2014, at the Cleveland Clinic. He was born in Conneaut, OH on July 1, 1938, a son of the late Frank and Francis McKee Smith. Bob graduated from Rice Avenue High School, joined the United States Army at the age of 17 and became a Staff Sergeant Radar Communication Specialist. He served two tours including the Berlin Crisis. He started his engineering career with Erie Technological Products and then moved to Spectrum Control. He retired from Spectrum Control, where he was Vice President of Engineering from 1978 to 2004. He holds several patents which improved technology greatly from going to the moon to improving our telecommunication products. Bob was a member of the Fairview American Legion Post 742, HAM Radio Operator, the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE), the National Association of Radio and Telecommunication Engineers (NARTE). He also was a trustee of Old Lake Road Summer City Trust, Caretaker of Summer City Water System and the Boat ramp. Bob may have had a weak heart but it was made of solid gold, he would do anything for anybody, anytime! His greatest joy was his family and sharing his knowledge with younger generations. No matter what was happening in life he always found the funny side of it. He loved boating, inventing, the latest and greatest technology, photography, eating ice cream, four wheeling, tinkering, Summer City, and pranks.

He is survived by his wonderful wife, Gayle Smith. His sister, Joyce Payne. His son, Rob Smith and daughter in law Eva Smith. His daughter, Renee Simon and son in law Bob Simon. His son, Marvin Swanson and daughter in law Chris Swanson. His son, Myron Swanson and daughter in law Christa Eddy. “Like a Son” Larry Peelman and Sandra Peelman. Grandchildren: Randy Orr, Lynn Peelman, Laura Simon, Lauren Carden, Zach Swanson, Elizabeth Simon, Joe Swanson, Anthony Chambers, and Daniel Swanson. Great Grandchildren: Alex Orr and Reyja Orr. Many nieces and nephews and a very large extended family which he loved to spend time with along with many many friends.

Services will be held at the convenience of the family. Arrangements entrusted to the Burton Funeral Home, 525 Main St. Girard. Please no flowers, send a card or a note with a story about you and Bob. Memorials may be made to the Cleveland Clinic or the American Heart Association. Condolences may be sent to www.burtonfuneralhomes.com.