Robert Smeltz

Robert L. Smeltz, 88, of Red Hill and formerly of East Greenville, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family at his home on January 13, 2015. He was the beloved husband of the late Mattie (Ranck) Smeltz who died in 2013. They were married for 67 years at her passing. Born in Pillow, PA, he was a son of the late Jacob and Ida (Klinger) Smeltz. A proud World War II veteran, he served his country honorably in the Navy on the AGS Norfolk, SS John P. Mitchell, AGS Brooklyn and the SS John Gibbon. He was awarded the Victory Medal, American Campaign and the European African Ribbon. After his service he became a truck driver, working for New Berlinville Leasing and then Swann Oil. He was also a school bus driver in the Upper Perkiomen School District for many years. He was a member of the Palm Legion, the VFW in Red Hill, and the Fire Companies of Pennsburg, Red Hill, and East Greenville. He was also a member of the Central PA Teamsters. He had a zest for life, a wonderful sense of humor, and he loved people – especially children. He will be sadly missed by his four daughters: Sandra, wife of Vernon Wardle, and Helen Smeltz, both of Pennsburg, Linda Bergey of Flagler Beach, FL, and Robin, wife of John Garis of Pennsburg; ten grandchildren: Craig, Bobby, Hollie, Maria, James, Kathryn, Jenelle, Jamie, Kristina, Vanessa; eighteen great grandchildren; and a sister, Norma Strohecker of Old Zionsville. Along with his parents and wife, he was predeceased by a son, James Lamar Smeltz, and his siblings: Guy, Dean, Betty, and two infants. Services will be held at 12 pm on Monday at the Falk Funeral Home in Pennsburg where all are invited to a viewing from 11 am. He will be laid to rest in St. Paul’s Cemetery in Amityville with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to Upper Perkiomen Unit 12, American Cancer Society. Visit his “Book of Memories” at falkfuneralhomes.com.