Arthur Edwin Smith
March 18, 1927-December 17, 2016
It is with great sorrow to report that Gy. Sgt. Arthur Edwin Smith has reported to his heavenly duties with his Marine Corps buddies. He passed away on December 17, after a short battle with cancer.
Arthur was born March 18, 1927 in Rochester PA. to Andrew and Amy Smith. Art was 16 years old when he joined the Marine Corps and fought on Guam and Iwo Jima and spent 22 months in the Pacific during WW II.
After he returned from combat he met the love of his life, Alice, in Great Lakes, Il. They were married June 14, 1947.
He served in the Marine Corps for 20 years then moved to Ventura in 1963 where he and Alice raised their four children. Arthur worked at Pacific Missile Test Center, Pt. Mugu, for 22 years and became head of the timing branch.
After retirement, Art and Alice enjoyed traveling all over the world visiting over 50 countries.
Arthur was an active member of Sacred Heat Church and served for 43 years as head usher at 9:00 mass. He was an active member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and Knights of Columbus where he was a karate instructor for the Squires.
Arthur is survived by his wife, Alice, son Gregory Smith (wife, Verna) daughters Kim Byrnes and Tracey Cherrie, daughter-in-law, Georgia Smith. His grandchildren include: Patrick, Shawna, Nicole, Andrew, Jonathan and Spencer and seven great grandchildren.
Arthur was preceded in life by son, Michael.
Art was the life of the party and always had a new joke. He was loved by everyone who knew him. He was especially loved by his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Family and friends are invited to attend visiting hours Tuesday evening December 20, 2016 from 4 to 8pm in the JOSEPH P. REARDON FUNERAL HOME, 757 E. Main Street Ventura, where a Most Holy Rosary will be recited at 7pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10am Wednesday December 21, 2016 at 10am in Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, 10800 Henderson Road Ventura. Interment with Military Honors will immediately follow in Ivy lawn Memorial Park, Ventura.