Ralph Edwin Smith, 89, of Venango passed away peacefully on January 20, 2022, at Bickford Living Center, Erie. Ralph was born on August 1, 1932, the son of the late Charles Smith and Florence Sherred Smith. He served in the US Army from 1953-1955. Ralph was a school bus contractor for forty-eight years and drove buses for over forty years. He served as a Venango Township supervisor for thirty-two years and as a council member for the borough of Venango for sixteen years. Ralph developed a passion for farming at an early age and for over fifty years he raised both beef and dairy cattle. He was married to his beloved wife, Mary Evelyn Gehrett for over thirty-one years until her passing on August 2, 1998. He then married Alberta Davis Quoresimo in 2001 until her passing in 2012. Ralph enjoyed mowing with his John Deere tractor, plowing snow, hanging out at Gary Winsor’s auto shop and spending time with his family and friends. He was a member of the Kiwanis and Exchange Clubs and St. Mary Roman Catholic Church, Meadville.
In addition to his wife, Mary Evelyn Smith and his wife, Alberta Davis Smith, Ralph was preceded in death by infants Valerie Lynn Smith and Ralph Smith, Jr; brother Reid Smith; sister Elsie Anthony; sister-in-law, Pat Smith; brother-in law, Gene Anthony; stepson-in-law, Joe DiFucci; and close friends, Kenneth and Grace Kitelinger with whom he resided in his youth.
Survivors include, his dearest daughter, Christine Smith and her husband, Tim; three stepdaughters: Denise DiFucci, Theresa Harmon and her husband, Tom; Cathy Mitrosky and her husband, Steve; seven grandchildren; three great grandchildren; sister, Donna Smith; brother, Harry Smith; sister-in-law, Robin Smith; brother-in-law, Chaz Davis and his wife, Judy; sister-in-law, Audeen Melvin and her husband, Larry; and several nieces and nephews. Ralph touched so many lives with his wisdom, generosity, and kindness. He will be greatly missed.
Friends are invited to call at Van Matre Funeral Home in Cambridge Springs on Friday, January 28, from 2-4 and 6-8 pm. A funeral service will be held there on Saturday, January 29 at 10 am. Interment will follow at Venango Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Venango Volunteer Fire Department, St. Mary’s Church or to the Marquette Hospice House.
Our sincere sympathy to all of Ralph’s family at his passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Also, my father, Jim Webster, who passed away a few years ago, would kindly remember Ralph from his time driving bus for Ralph.
so sorry for your loss, Christine and family. sending you all thoughts and prayers during this sad time. cheryl nelson
Christine,
Please accept our deepest condolences on the passing of your beloved Dad
Much love sent to you
Jackie, Anthony, and Michael
Bocchine-Harned
He gave his all to BORO of Venango after he moved here from the township. We owe him a debt of gratitude for ALL the thankless jobs he did around town. Usually without pay. Always had time to say hello n catch up with me as I had my morning walk. Miss him already. God speed Ralph
The Stancliff family had 3 generations of his driving their school bus. He dove bus for Leon, Sr., his 2 children, and 4 of his grandchildren. Our prayers and thoughts are with the familt.y
When Ralph told you somethimg you knew it was solid advice or idea. His word was golden. I admited his Christian principals.
Hopefully si all respect was mutual.
Finally and forever rest in peace good fellow.
Many wonderful memories riding to school and back with Ralph. The pop and candy Christmas parties as well as the water bottle free for all on the last day of school. Those were the good old days.