Edward E. Smith

With a heavy heart, I must announce the passing of my father Edward Smith.

1928 – 2023 He passed in the early morning hours of May 7, 2023.

He was a father, A grandfather, and friend to many.

Ed moved to New Freedom 50 years ago and has been involved in the community and touched the lives of so many.

Some know him from Politics and his time served on New Freedom Borough council, or from Church activities, he was very involved in various activities at various Churches over the years. Perhaps you know him from his years working at the New Freedom Carnival, he worked many activities for the carnival, but was best know for his years of running the famous cook shack, where he built up an extensive and delicious menu. He was in the Lions Club for quite a while. Many people know him from Rutters in the morning, for years he had his morning coffee at the store, and “held court” as many people would sit and talk with him, and many people coming in and out of the store would visit with him as well. Many stories and jokes and life stories were shared in those morning sessions.

Ed had many skills, He was a Jack of all trades, Master of none, He could do masonry, carpentry, metal working and machining. He was however an expert welder, traveled the globe for welding, welding and teaching and advising and selling, He was published in many industry magazines pertaining to welding, he also designed and developed many specialized welding machines for various industries. He raced cars prior to him and mom getting married. He built a 45 foot long houseboat from the ground up which he used at Raystown Lake for years. .In his hobbies he enjoyed painting pictures, especially farm scenes and nature. He also enjoyed working in the garden with nature.

He still drove a car, just over a week before his passing, he was driving around the area

He took his garden tractor apart and was repairing it just two weeks before all of this.. He believed his long life had to do with keeping busy, He was always doing something.

My father was in fairly good health, especially considering his age. We knew we were on borrowed time, however we were all blind sided with the speed of his passing

He had a swollen prostate giving him problems and he was undergoing treatment to help him through this. A week ago, He was uncomfortable all weekend either in his recliner or his bed, hardly got any food/liquids in him. Took him to ER Figured they would help hydrate him and check out cath, etc.

They said he had bad UTI and were doing tests to see what form or what ever. During this, they discovered he was having total renal failure. .His kidney had no function any longer. This was random, in all medical visits pasts, kidney issues were never in the picture. At that time we learned he had 2 hours, or 2 days, or 2 weeks to live, but would probably not be leaving the hospital.

He is 95 and his directive was no dialysis, no extraordinary measures etc.

He always wanted to live as long as he had quality of life. He is not living life with quality.

At hospital that night, he said good byes to his granddaughters and other family. Also to many people on the phone, until we had to stop as his voice started to slur. and he could not be understood (His tongue was swelling), My daughters were there holding his hand. It was very emotional.

He went into the ER joking and flirting with nurses, and as the evening went on, it was like a light switch was flicked, he rapidly went down hill He went on comfort care only.

He shared he had a long and full life, and was ready to go, He believed he would again be reunited with Shirley his deceased wife that he missed dearly. Ed passed 4 days later.

Ed was survived by, Tim and his wife Melinda, and Doug and his wife Amy, Grand Children Kristy and Katie Smith, and Bethany Whisel, and other family/near family members Beckie (Markle) Moyer, Scott and Jacquelyn Wilkerson, Allison Smith Barnes, Kristen Smith Glatfelter and their families

Ed will be missed by many, He left a big hole that will not be filled, But many of us will keep him alive by remembering him in our hearts and memories.

It is my fathers wishes, he is being cremated, no formal services. There will be a celebration of life at some yet to be determined date and location.

Please keep Ed and our family in your thoughts.