We note with sad acceptance the passing of Dr. J. Wolfgang Smith (1930-2024) a native of Austria. He was just nine years old, living in Poland, when the Nazi hordes began World War 2 by crossing into Poland a mere 30 kilometers (about 18.64 mi) from the Smith residence. Thus began a harrowing odyssey to the West and freedom. They settled in the USA.
Wolfgang devoted himself to his studies, graduating from Cornell at the age of eighteen with a triple major in Physics, Mathematics and Philosophy. He then received his MS from Purdue and later his PhD from Columbia. Having spent decades in India studying the Vedantic religions, he returned to teach at M.I.T., UCLA and Oregon State Universities.
He met and married Dorothy Margurite, his beloved Thea who had spent 17 years as a member of the St. Joseph of Carondelet sisters. Her spiritual advisor had told her she should leave after the changes of the Second Vatican Council. It was she who guided him back to the Catholicism of his youth.
Wolfgang, the author of many books and papers on Physics and Metaphysics is world renowned for his work.
Along with this he was quite an adventurer having conquered the major peaks of Europe and California.
His life is featured in the film, "The End of Quantum Reality."
He may be seen in his many You Tube offerings.
He will be missed by all who knew him and most especially by those closest to him.
Requiem Mass will be in the ancient Tridentine Latin Rite.
Services will be at 1:15 PM. Wednesday August the 7th at Santa Barbara Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the direction of the JOSEPH P. REARDON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE, Ventura.