SMITH, Walter A.

Erie Times-News (Erie, PA) Sunday, March 27, 2016 Walter A. Smith passed away peacefully, on March 18, 2016, in Phoenix, Ariz., with family by his side. He was born in Cambria County, Pa., in 1923, son of Rose (Parker) and John C. Smith. He graduated from Richland High School in Johnstown, Pa., and served in the U.S. Navy during WWII and the Korean conflict. He married his high school sweetheart, relocated to Erie, Pa., and fathered four daughters. The family moved to Phoenix, Ariz. in 1970. He is survived by daughters Darlene (Frank) Germano of Willoughby Hills, Ohio, Claudia (Frank) Cucitro, of Black Canyon City, Ariz., and Phyllis (Ron) Chase, of Sun Lakes, Ariz., as well as grandsons Frank and Anthony Germano and nieces and nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews and great-grandnieces and great-grandnephews. Walter was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years Clarabelle (Hayes) Smith, infant daughter Colleen Rae, his parents, and brother John M. Smith. He was a member of the United Methodist Church and the Arizona American Italian Club where he loved to play bingo and socialize. A celebration of his life will be held on Friday, April 8th at 10:30 a.m. at Shepherd of the Valley United Methodist Church, 3039 W. Cactus Rd., Phoenix, Ariz. Donations in Walter's memory would be welcomed by St. Mary's Food Bank in Phoenix, Ariz., or to a charity of your choice.