Robert J. Smith

Robert Joseph Smith, 74, of Muhlenberg Township, died April 13, 2012 in the Reading Hospital.

He was the husband of Nancy Carolyn (Vath) Smith, whom he married October 17, 1959.

Born in Reading, PA on April 3, 1938, he was a son of the late Stanley G. and Elizabeth M. (Maurer) Smith.

He was a member of Holy Guardian Angels Roman Catholic Church, Muhlenberg Township, where he was an alter server for funerals, an usher at Mass and a former member of Parish Council.

Bob was an avid canoeist and participated in the Schuylkill River Sojourn as a safety boat operator for 10 years.

He was a member of the Keystone Canoe Club. Robert was a big brother for "Big Brothers Big Sisters of America" for 10 years.

He was a plant supervisor with Mack Trucks, Allentown, PA. He was later employed as a warehouse manager for several different distribution centers before retiring in 2000.

After retirement he was employed part-time as a driver for a number of years with the Miller-Keystone Blood Center.

Bob was a volunteer with the Muhlenberg Township Neighborhood Crime Watch.

He was a 1956 graduate of Reading High School and a 1966 graduate of Albright College.

Bob is also survived by three children: Lisa A., wife of Kent A. Hatt of Lower Heidelberg Township; Kathleen E. Beidler of East Greenville and Robert A., husband of Theresa A. (Pletnick) Smith of Spring Township.

Other survivors include a brother, Stanley C., widower of Dorothy Smith of Gunnison, Colorado and five grandchildren: Kyle, Matt, CJ, Tom and Joey.

Bob was predeceased by a sister, Mary Ellen Burns, who died in 2002.

A memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday at 11:00 am Holy Guardian Angels R.C. Church, 3121 Kutztown Road, Reading, PA 19605. A visitation will be held one hour prior to Mass in the Church. Inurnment will be in Gethsemane Mausoleum, Muhlenberg Township.

Walter R. Christ Funeral Home, Inc., Laureldale is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the church at the above address. For online condolences, visit www.christfuneralhome.com