Edward Charles Smith, 86, died peacefully at home on December 8, 2023 with wife Barbara Carey Smith by his side. A resident of Wallingford, he was born on February 15, 1937 in Philadelphia, the second child and first son of Edward and Mary Madden Smith.
A loyal son of West Philadelphia Catholic High School, he was also a distinguished graduate of Villanova University and the University of Puerto Rico. After completion of training at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia, he was appointed an FBI special agent and stationed in Arkansas, Georgia, Puerto Rico, New York, and suburban Philadelphia during a stellar 24-year career.
At the beginning of his career, he was identified for additional training and completed intensive additional studies in the Spanish language at the Army Language School in Monterey, California. In addition to Spanish, he was also fluent in French and acquired a conversational knowledge of Italian and Arabic over the years.
He was also no stranger to Quantico, as he completed training there at the U.S. Marine Corps base as the basis for his six-year service in the Marine Corps Reserve.
Mr. Smith also served as an adjunct professor at Neumann University post-retirement and was active in several organizations, including the Society of Former Special Agents of the FBI. A world traveler and bibliophile, Mr. Smith applied his knowledge and experience as a Jeopardy participant wherever he was at the magic hour of 7:00pm. But in spite of the allure of books and world travel, he was drawn to his grandchildren and with supporting their varied interests and pastimes.
In addition to his wife Barbara, sons Edward and Steven and grandchildren Kami, Edward, Keira, and Kella, he is survived by sisters Frances Wolpert of Lehigh Acres, FL, Rosemary Tierney of Lansdale, PA, Mercedes DiPietro of Aston, PA, and Denis of Westerville, OH. He is predeceased by brother Michael and sister Diane.
A celebration of life is scheduled for Friday, December 15, 2023 from 10:00-11:00AM at St John Chrysostom Catholic Church, 617 S Providence Rd, Wallingford, PA 19086 followed by his memorial mass at 11:00AM
In lieu of flowers, Edward’s family requests memorial donations to the charity or foundation of your choice.
Funeral Arrangements are in the care of Bateman-Allen Funeral Home.
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