Richard "Dick" L. Smith

Richard L. “Dick” Smith, 86, passed away January 30, 2021. Born July 16, 1934, he was born and raised in the North Hill neighborhood of Akron, and lived there for 35 years. Dick was a 1952 graduate of North High School. The Class of ’52 is a special group who have remained friends and enjoyed “get togethers” for over 50 years.

After graduation, Richard attended the University of Akron, and graduated in ’56 with a B.A. in Education, and a major in Social Studies. At the same time, he graduated from the R.O.T.C. program as a 2nd lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserve. He served in the Active Reserve, and attained the rank of captain. After his B.A. degree, Richard continued his education at Kent State University where he received a Masters in Education in 1962. Richard was a teacher in the Akron Public Schools for 32 years, and spent 28 years at Innes Middle School in the Kenmore area of Akron. During his career he received many awards and commendations for his teaching skills. He was especially proud of the Jennings Scholar Award in 1966-67, and the Pearl Drews Award as the Outstanding Teacher in the Social Studies in 1977.

Richard was an active member of the Grandview United Method Church, and a member of the Chancel Choir. Richard was a member of Masonic Lodge – Star Lodge #187 since 1990. He served as Master of Star Lodge in 1996 and 1997. He was Lodge Education Officer for many years. He was also a 32 degree Mason in the Valley of Akron, and member of the Shrine.

Richard was active in the Tallmadge Historical Society and the Tallmadge Civil War Society.

Dick was a quiet and gentle man, but a very organized person who could lead and accomplish things without a lot of fanfare. He had a wide variety of interests such as travel and photography, summer concerts at Blossom, baseball games at Canal Park with the Aeros, Carousel Diner Theater, Broadway musicals, etc. He had a very good knowledge of plants and trees, and therefore loved landscaping and working in his yard. He and his sister, Alice, enjoyed spending the month of March in Ft. Myers, FL., and spending five days in the summer at Lakeside on Lake Erie.

A private service will be conducted. A celebration of life will be held at Grandview United Methodist Church at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to: The University of Akron Foundation, Dept. of Development, Akron, OH 44325-2603, designate checks to Richard L. Smith Student Teaching Scholarship or to Grandview United Methodist Church, 2315 Phelps Ave., Cuyahoga Falls Oh 44223 and designated to the Smith Memorial Music Endowment Fund.

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