Richard B. “Dick” Smittle, 82, of Valencia, Pa., formerly of Paden City, W.Va., passed away peacefully, in his home, Friday evening, September 5, 2025, with family at his side.
Born March 5, 1943, to Maxine Ilene Anderson and Dillon Baird Smittle, Dick lived a life filled with love, laughter, and learning.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Karen Lucile Vannoy; children, Wes (Anne) Smittle and Robin (Thomas) Butts; grandchildren, Charlotte Smittle, Margaret (Darrell) Sagun, Mattias Butts, and Tegan Butts; great-grandchild, Rowan Wesley Sagun; brother, Dillon “Hank” (Donna) Smittle; his sisters, Kathy (Allen) Pryor and Pam (Steve) Billeter; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Dick earned degrees from West Virginia University and North Carolina State University, including a Ph.D. in Food Science / Microbiology.
Dick worked at the FDA, Best Foods, and Silliker Laboratories Group, where he became president and part-owner. He taught at NYU, Kean College, and Lord Fairfax Community College.
A proud Mountaineer, Dick loved his Lord, his family, fly-fishing, painting, and a perfectly mixed “martooni.”
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, October 18, in the LifePointe Alliance Church, 997 Route 228, Mars, PA 16046. Reception to follow.
Arrangements are under the direction of the McDonald-Aeberli Funeral Home, Inc., 238 Crowe Avenue, Mars, PA 16046.
Condolences at www.mcdonald-aeberli.com
