Charles E. Smith

Charles Edward Smith, 81, passed away peacefully on July 30, 2020.

Charlie was born September 6, 1938, in Philadelphia, PA to Elizabeth Ann and Thomas Raymond Smith. He grew up in Philadelphia with three brothers, Thomas Harry, Robert, and Thomas Raymond, and one sister, Doris Heiselmoyer.

Charlie joined the Navy at 18 and served as a medic stationed in Naples, Italy. When his service ended, he returned home to marry Carol Ann Clement on September 16, 1961. While working full time, Charlie studied engineering at Drexel University and Penn State. He began his career at Hurst as a Tool & Die Engineer and worked his way up to Vice President. In the 1970s, a job opportunity took Charlie, Carol, and their two children, Rochelle and Kevin, to California. Charlie enjoyed the Sunshine State, but his home was always Philadelphia. He returned to Pennsylvania to live near family and friends in the Philadelphia suburbs. In 1989, Charlie acquired Eberwein Plastics and became the owner/operator of the custom fiberglass shop. He loved the challenge of designing and building unique items from air-intake parts for Mack trucks to information kiosks to a full-size replica of the Bat Mobile for Great Adventure.

Charlie was known for his boundless energy and for his ability to make friends wherever he went. He never passed up candy or dessert. After retiring, he “needed something to do,” so he drove a bus for Bucks County Transit, and spent hours chatting with the riders. Charlie enjoyed fishing, playing cards, and golfing, mostly because they involved spending time with others. Charlie and Carol camped with friends near Lancaster, PA, every summer for almost 50 years. They traveled all over the United States, and Charlie was always excited to see the natural wonders and roadside attractions. He had a particular fondness for Walt Disney World. Charlie was thrilled to celebrate his 80th birthday in the happiest place on earth with his wife, children, and grandchildren.

Charlie Smith is survived by his wife of 58 years, Carol; daughter, Rochelle, and her husband, Robert Young; son, Kevin, and his wife, Erin; four grandchildren, Shawn Young, Matthew Young, Laura Young, and Mckenna Smith; many nieces and nephews; and friends both old and new. All will miss him.

A service has not yet been planned. Please consider honoring Charlie’s life by sending a donation in his name to the American Cancer Society.