Guys Mills - Ronald J. Smith, 84, of Guys Mills, PA passed away suddenly at his home on February 25, 2026.

Ron was born on December 30, 1941, in Meadville, PA, the son of Woodrow and Arlene Roae Smith. He grew up in Crawford County and graduated from Randolph-East Mead High School with the Class of 1960.

On May 13, 1967, he married Janelle Sturrock, beginning a devoted and enduring partnership that remained the center of his life for nearly six decades.

Ron built a long and respected career as a lineman, retiring from FirstEnergy, and working for several other electric construction companies throughout the region. His work reflected the same qualities he carried into his personal life—reliability, quiet strength, and a willingness to do what needed to be done.

His faith was a constant throughout his life. Ron was a 70-year member of Saint Hippolyte Roman Catholic Church in Frenchtown, PA and later a 14-year member of Saint Philip Roman Catholic Church in Linesville, PA where he remained active and deeply connected to his parish community.

Ron proudly served 5 years in the United States Marine Corps, including a year in Italy in 1963. Most notably he served as an honor guard for President John F. Kennedy where he was privileged to shake the President's hand. He was a member of the Saegertown American Legion, valuing the camaraderie and shared purpose he found there.

Ron found joy in simple, meaningful pleasures. His fun-loving spirit and contagious laughter made every room brighter. He loved visiting with friends and neighbors, taking rides on his side-by-side, and spending quiet moments feeding the birds around his home. These small rituals brought him peace and reflected the gentle, grounded way he moved through the world.

In addition to his wife, Janelle Smith, Ronald is survived by his children: David C. Smith (Vinia) of New Castle, PA, Rebecca Cable (Jon) of Sherman, NY, Autumn Morin (Ray) of Edinboro, PA, and Jay Smith of Greenville, PA

He is also survived by his siblings: Georgia Chalmers, Jane Bubna (Denis), Joy Jordan (Michael) and Fred Smith all of Meadville.

Ron was blessed with 14 grandchildren; Aaron Smith of Orlando, FL, Nathanael Smith of New Castle, PA, Phoebe Reichert (Tim) of Ripley, NY, Zeek Smith stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, MO, Brianna, Alexander, Julianna, and Andrew Smith all New Castle, PA, Josh Cable (Mackenzie) of Cincinnati, OH, Gracie Cable of Sherman, NY, Zoe Morin of Kent, OH, TJ Morin stationed at Albuquerque, NM, Alayna Morin of Edinboro, PA and Carter Smith of Greenville, PA and 3 great grandchildren; Oakley and Theodore Reichert of Ripley, NY and Luca Smith of New Castle, PA each of whom brought him immense pride and joy.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Jeffrey Smith; and his sisters, Carol Barnard and Mary Lou Barickman.

Calling hours will be held on Sunday, March 1, from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at Dickson Family Funeral Home, Inc., 123 South Franklin Street, Cochranton, PA. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Monday, March 2, 2026 at 11:00 am at Saint Hippolyte's Roman Catholic Church, Frenchtown, PA, with the Rev. Chris Hamlett as Celebrant. Interment will take place at Saint Hippolyte's Cemetery.

Memorial contributions can be made in Ron's name to the Critter Camp, 32708 Forest Home Rd., Union City, PA 16438.