David R. Smith

David R. “Dave” Smith, 84, of Elizabeth Township, passed away Sunday, October 18, 2026. Born January 1, 1942, in Altoona, he was the son of the late Paul J. Smith, and Genevieve Best.

Dave was an engineer, inventor, and teacher who found joy in understanding how things worked and helping others understand them, too. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Penn State and his master’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Pittsburgh. After working for several companies, he became an independent engineering consultant, devoting his career to electrical power systems, particularly secondary networks. His work as an inventor also inspired Thunderbird Energy Systems, which his family established to carry his engineering work forward.

He especially loved teaching. Through his work with the University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University, Con Edison in New York, and Eaton, Dave shared his knowledge with generations of electrical engineers. He was beloved by his students, and his influence continues through the people he taught. He loved cross-country skiing, baseball, his pets, and trains, especially visits to Horseshoe Curve. At home, he built an extensive model railroad where he could display and run his collection.

Dave is survived by his wife of 56 years, Maureen (Holko) Smith; his son, Scott Smith, and daughter-in-law, Bethann Galaska, of Pittsburgh; his brother, Paul “Pete” Smith Jr. of Georgetown, Texas; his sister-in-law, Stephene Broman, wife of the late Evan Broman, of West Mifflin; his niece, Heidi Peters, and her husband, Todd; his great-niece, Allison Peters; and his great-nephew, Owen Peters. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Jeffrey A. “Jeff” Smith, in November 2022.

Friends and family are welcome Thursday, October 22, 2026, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 6028 Smithfield Street, Boston, PA 15135, (412) 751-5000, Drew J. Gilbert, Director. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, October 23, 2026, at 10 a.m. at Mary, Mother of God Parish, St. Angela Merici Church, in White Oak. Inurnment will follow at West Newton Cemetery. To honor David's memory, the family welcomes flowers or memorial donations to Active in Recovery (www.activeinrecovery.org).

Condolences may be shared at GilbertFuneralHomeAndCrematory.com.