Howard J. Smith, Jr. 92, of West Burlington, PA, passed away on Sunday, December 6, 2020 at the Robert Packer Hospital. He was the loving husband of Olynda A. (Chaffee) Smith. The couple married October 25, 1959 and had 61 happy years together.
Howard was born on October 23, 1928 in Troy, PA, son of the late Howard J. and Eleanor (Rockwell) Smith, Sr. He graduated from Troy High School in 1946 and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Commerce and Finance from Bucknell University in 1950. Howard entered the U. S. Army by draft in 1950 and received a commission upon completion of Officer Candidate School in 1951. He served in Korea until separation from active duty in 1953 and received a battalion commander’s letter of commendation for performance as a platoon leader of the “Best Platoon in the Battalion.” Howard continued to serve actively for 21years in the United States Army Reserve until retirement in 1975, with the rank of Major. The last four years were served on the commanding general’s staff of the 77th United States Army Reserve Command.
Howard was born on October 23, 1928 in Troy, PA, son of the late Howard J. and Eleanor (Rockwell) Smith, Sr. He graduated from Troy High School in 1946 and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Commerce and Finance from Bucknell University in 1950. Howard entered the U. S. Army by draft in 1950 and received a commission upon completion of Officer Candidate School in 1951. He served in Korea until separation from active duty in 1953 and received a battalion commander’s letter of commendation for performance as a platoon leader of the “Best Platoon in the Battalion.” Howard continued to serve actively for 21years in the United States Army Reserve until retirement in 1975, with the rank of Major. The last four years were served on the commanding general’s staff of the 77th United States Army Reserve Command.
Following active military service, Howard was employed for six years by GTE, Sylvania as secretary of the divisional suggestion system. Since 1961, he was self-employed as a district sales manager and personal financial advisor with American Express Financial Advisors Inc., now Ameriprise Financial until retirement in 2006 after 45 years.
Howard served as a township supervisor and president of Western Bradford County Council of Governments. He served over 20 years as a member of the executive board of the Bradford County Republican Party and was involved in the leadership electing Senator Roger Madigan and Representative Matt Baker. He was a member of the Bradford County Library board of trustees for 16 years. Howard was a member and past master of the local subordinate Grange and was instrumental in organizing a “West Burlington Neighborhood Day,” which received a state grange award for community service and was an annual event for several years.
He was a member of United Methodist Church at West Burlington for 73 years having served as lay leader, Sunday school teacher, organizer of a Christian clown group, choir member, member of “Old Hims” quartet and chairman of the church council. After a 35-year absence, he was successful in bringing sheep back to the Troy Fair and initiated the development of Sheep and Wool Day. Howard was a member of various Masonic bodies and past president of the Bradford County Shrine Club. He was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion. Howard was a former tutor for the Bradford County Literacy Program at the Bradford County Correctional Facility.
