Paul F. Smith, Sr.
Paul was a man of deep faith and trusted in the Lord.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held from Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 409 Cherry St. Columbia PA 17512 on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. with the Rev. Richard Groff, Celebrant.
Friends may view at the church one hour prior to the mass.
Burial will be held on Friday, July 24, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. in Holy Trinity Catholic Cemetery.
Paul F. Smith Sr., age 99, died peacefully surrounded by his family at Hospice and Community Care on July 13, 2026 after a brief illness. Born and raised in Columbia, PA, Paul was the son of August and Catherine (Dinkle) Smith and lived the last 18 years in Manheim.
Paul was married to Joanne (Maxenberger) with whom he celebrated 78 years of marriage in April. He graduated from Columbia High School where he played baseball and was a member of the Scoreboard Squad. His father had to pick up his diploma as Paul missed graduation due to being drafted in the Army during WWll where he served as a PFC in the European Theater.
Paul was a lifelong member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church and in addition, for the past 18 years, a member of St. Richard Catholic Church in Manheim. Paul was a man of deep faith and trusted in the Lord. Prayer was a central part of his daily life and each evening he shared a special time of prayer with Joanne.
Paul lived in service to others, especially to Joanne. He retired from Hamilton Watch in 1989 and operated a part time watch repair business from his home where he often could be found at his work bench, a watchmaker’s loupe to his eye and tweezers in his hand, meticulously working on timepieces. Paul was a wise man. Even at 99 people continued to seek his counsel, trusting his experience, insight and sound and thoughtful perspective. He offered advice that was both practical and compassionate. Paul was competitive, playing baseball as a young man and tennis with family and friends. Up until his illness he was always up for a game of dominoes, Skip-Bo or Shanghai rummy where he proved to be a fierce opponent. Paul was artistic and loved to sing. A greeting card from Paul was known to include his own artwork, usually depicting a bucolic scene. He volunteered with Songs for the Journey for many years, singing to patients at the bedside when death is imminent in local hospitals, hospices, and nursing homes. He enjoyed watching sports and westerns, trains, and following the Oakland A’s. Primarily Paul loved the Lord, Jesus Christ.
In addition to his wife Joanne, Paul is survived by his 7 children: Paul Smith Jr., Jan Marie Kaufhold, Barbara Smith, Marianne Nicklaus (Jim Nicklaus), Dr. Timothy R. Smith (K. Marie Smith), Beth Kinard (Harry Kinard), and Elaine Leech (Oscar Leech); 11 grandchildren; and 7 great grandchildren. In addition to his parents he is predeceased by his siblings: Bernadine, Veronica, Edward and Cyril; daughter-in-law Patricia Nachtrab; granddaughter Kaitlynn Smith and great granddaughter Olivia Leech-Sasso.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held from Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 409 Cherry St. Columbia PA 17512 on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. with the Rev. Richard Groff, Celebrant. Friends may view at the church one hour prior to the mass. Burial will be held on Friday, July 24, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. in Holy Trinity Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please have a Mass said for Paul at any Catholic church or by contacting St. Richard Catholic Church (717-665-2465) or Holy Trinity Catholic Church (717-684-2711).
The family would like to express their sincere appreciation for the excellent and compassionate care provided by LGH ICU unit and Hospice and Community Care.
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