Robert E. Smith

Robert E. Smith "Bob", as he was known during his 35 year career in radio and television, died Thursday, September 20, 2018, at Rittenhouse Village, Muhlenberg.

Born in Reading, PA, June 29, 1930, he was the son of the late Evan E., and Ethel (Brunner) Smith.

Survivors include his daughter, Gayle L. Ditzler, wife of George Ditzler; granddaughter, Courtney Ditzler, Wernersville; grandson, Justin Cancelliere, of Yardley, PA; stepson Robert Miller, Sr.; step grandson, Robert Miller, Jr.; and step great-grandchildren, Tyler, Nicole, and Kasei Miller, Mohnton, PA; and a sister, Janet Burnham, Inglis, FL.

Bob was predeceased by his loving wife of 47 years, Edithmae R. (Seidel) Smith, who died August 21, 2009. He was also predeceased by his daughter, Robin E. Kraut, granddaughters Avery, Jessica and April Kraut, and son-in-law Dr. Jon Kraut, all of whom died in a plane crash on February 3, 2006, and step-son, Gary A. Miller, who was killed in August of 1999. He was also predeceased by sisters: Marilyn Sax, of Akron, Ohio; and Patricia Bower, of Garden Grove, California.

As a young man of 17, Bob joined the U.S. Navy and served three years aboard the U.S.S. Johnston, D.D. 821 as a quartermaster/signalman from 1947 to 1950.

It wasn't until 1958 that he entered the field of broadcasting, when he joined the staff of WRAW as a disc jockey but his real focus was in news coverage, which he pursued at WRAW and later at WHUM and WEEU where he served as a news director, and later at TV 51 as a news director and anchorman.

His 35 year career in radio and television was highlighted by many memorable events that included interviews with top politicians, including President Jimmy Carter, Senator Hubert Humphrey and many others. He especially enjoyed hosting the Berks County Junior Miss Pageant for ten years, eight years as field announcer for the Reading Air Show, and he loved to brag about his rides with the Navy's Blue Angels and the Air Force Thunderbirds, as well as his tandem jump from 8,000 feet.

After retiring from broadcasting, Bob assumed the position of Community Relations Director for the County of Berks. His office was located at Berks Heim, where he became associated with the staff and residents, which he described as a memorable and most enjoyable experience.

His final work experience was some 20 years as the in-store announcer for all Boscov Department Stores in five states, a job which he cherished and co-workers he said he would always fondly remember.

Bob was a proud member of Zion Evangelical Congregational Church in Mohnton, PA.

Services will be held Saturday, September 29, 2018, at 10:30 a.m., at Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., 739 Penn Avenue, West Reading. Burial will follow in Forest Hills Memorial Park. A viewing will be held Saturday from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. prior to the service in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Alzheimer's Foundation of America, 322 Eighth Avenue, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10001, or by going to https://alzfdn.org/support-us/donate/. Online condolences may be recorded at www.kuhnfuneralhomes.com.