Obituaries

Ray Thomas Smith, 74, of Erie, PA passed away on 17 of July 2023 in the comfort of home.

He was born in Erie, PA on the 20th of August of 1948, and is preceded in death by of his father, Kenneth O. Smith, mother, Lois E. Smith, brothers Kenneth G. Smith and Stuart Smith, and his daughter Linda Margarida Smith; and grandson, Elijah LaPointe.

He is survived by his wife, Margarida Barbosa Smith of Bridgeport, WV; two daughters, Judite Barbosa Smith, of Bridgeport, WV, and Elizabeth Barbosa LaPointe and her husband David LaPointe of Clarksburg, WV; two son, Thomas Barbosa Smith and his wife Rhonda Smith of Clarksburg, WV, and Michael Barbosa Smith of Clarksburg, WV; six grandchildren, J.R. Scott, Juliana Smith-Neal, Arabella Trent, Isaiah LaPointe, Zach Losh and Chastidy Talkington; three great grandchildren, Benson Richard, Wyatt Talkington and Gunner Talkington.

Ray was a 1966 graduate of Strong Vincent High School. Ray enlisted in the United States Air Force and served our nation for 21 years, where he retired as a Master Sergeant. During his time in the United States Air Force, Ray traveled all over the world and while stationed in the Azores, he met the love of his life, Margarida. After retiring from the United States Air Force. Ray worked for the Federal Aviation Association until retirement. Until his last breath, he talked about electrical and technical work as his mind as sharp as a tack when talking about technology.

Some of Ray’s favorite hobbies included: snorkeling, spearfishing, hunting, fishing, going to the firing range, shooting bow and arrow, walking, and jogging.  Ray spoke of many tales from when he would snorkel and spearfish as he was able to master it in the Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Ocean, Pacific Ocean, and Lake Erie (some of the stories showed how truly amazing he was). Ray was a huge inspiration towards his children and grandchildren as he brought intelligence, wittiness, guidance, inspiration, and love to all of them. Ray is to be remembered as the great human being that he was and not for the results from the devastating illnesses of Parkinson’s Disease and dementia. The world lost one of the greatest human beings to ever walk the face of the earth, but Heaven got themselves a fantastic soul as he was a true light in the darkness of the world. Heaven must have needed a good man up there and that is what they got with Ray Thomas Smith. May MSgt. Smith rest in the forever peace that he so much deserves. We love you forever and always.

In keeping with his wishes, private services will be held by the family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to the Parkinson’s Foundation, P. O. Box 61420, Staten Island, NY 10306.

Expressions of sympathy may be extended to the family at www.amoscarvelli.com. A service of Amos Carvelli Funeral Home.