George H. Smith

George H. Smith, 92, of Wyomissing, passed away on Saturday, March 4, 2017 at the Highlands in Wyomissing, PA. He was the husband of the late Rose M. (Valenti), with whom he shared 53 years of marriage at the time of her passing on November 6, 2014.

Born in Philadelphia, George was the son of the late Heber L. and Nellie O. Smith. George was a member of the United States Air Force. He was also a member of Alsace Lutheran Church, Reading, PA.

George was a graduate of the Exeter Academy in Massachusetts. He earned his degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He was then employed by General Electric in Philadelphia for 22 years, where he helped the government design helicopters.

His family fondly remembers George as being a "walking encyclopedia." He was highly intelligent, well read, and was a font of information. He also loved to tell joke (sometimes over and over again).

George loved to fly planes, especially his Cessna and the Staggerwing. Building and flying model planes and helicopters also gave him great pleasure. One particularly thrilling moment in George's life is when he had the opportunity to fly around the world on the Concorde.

Travel was also a hobby for George. He particularly loved visiting Bermuda, and he cherished taking his beloved grandchildren to Disney World often.

George was also fond of music. He played piano, but he is better known for playing the trombone in both the Wyomissing Band and Craig Fisher's Dixieland Band.

George was very proud of his many strong family ties to the Reading and Berks County area. His grandfather, George F. Baer, was the President of the Reading Railroad. His other grandfather, L. Heber Smith, owned Joanna Furnace. In addition, his cousin, George Baer Heister, had Stokesay Castle built for his bride as a wedding present.

George is survived by his daughter, Denise M., wife of John J. Sabulsky. George is also survived by his four grandchildren: Jennifer M., wife of Andrew Sacchetti; Jeremy G., husband of Montserrat Wawrzonek; Julia R., wife of Dennis Bierkamp; and Jason A., husband of Samantha Wawrzonek. George will also be missed by his beloved great grandchildren: Elena, Ryan, Alekzander, Dennis, Jackson, Rose, Bennett, and Nolan.

George's family would like to extend special thanks to Cathy Yeager and Nancy Gaughan, who were wonderful care givers for George. The family would also like to thank Dr. Lewis Winans and the staff of the Highlands for their compassionate care.

A viewing will be held on Wednesday, March 8th, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, March 9th, at 12:30 p.m. at Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, located at 739 Penn Avenue, West Reading, PA 19611. Burial will follow in Charles Evans Cemetery, 1119 Centre Avenue, Reading, PA.

In lieu of flowers, the family is kindly requesting that family and friends make contributions in memory of George to Joanna Furnace / Haycreek Valley Historical Association, P.O. Box 36, Geigertown, PA 19523

Edward J. Kuhn funeral Home, Inc., West Reading, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be recorded at www.kuhnfuneralhomes.com.