Thomas Lee Smith's Obituary
Thomas Lee Smith, age 67 died of lung and heart diseases on March 16, 2023 at Anne Arundel
Medical Center in Annapolis, Maryland after being hospitalized for 9 days.
Tom (aka “Smitty”) is survived by his siblings; a brother James A. Smith of Upper Chichester,
Pennsylvania, and a sister, Laurie A. Patty (Robert) of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, a niece, Mary
Kathryn “Katie” Pennell of Glen Burnie, Maryland, and a great-nephew, Jason E. Gwinnutt also
of Glen Burnie, Maryland.
He is preceded in death by his father, James L. Smith and his mother, Nyta L. Smith both were
from Upper Chichester, Pennsylvania. Tom was also preceded in death by both maternal and
paternal grandparents and cousins.
Tom was born on August 16, 1955 in Chester, Pennsylvania to James and Nyta Smith. He was
the middle sibling born to James and Nyta.
Tom graduated from Chichester Senior High School in Upper Chichester, Pennsylvania in 1973.
Tom went to vocational technical school during his high school for electrical technician studies.
After high school graduation, Tom attended the local Penn State two year college, furthering his
knowledge in electrical technical studies. He was inducted into the Iota Beta Chapter of the Tau
Alpha Phi National Honor Society in May of 1975. Tom graduated with an Associate in
Engineering degree that year. He then enrolled in the Electrical Engineering program at the
Penn State Engineering School in Middletown, Pennsylvania. Tom received his Bachelor of
Science degree in Electrical Design Engineering in June, 1979. He graduated Summa Cum
Laude with a 4.0 GPA.
Shortly thereafter Tom moved to Severn, Maryland and began his career in Electrical Design
Engineering at Westinghouse (now Northrop Grumman). Tom continued his studies in Design
Engineering through night school at the Johns Hopkins University GMC Whiting School of
Engineering in Baltimore, Maryland. Tom was awarded the Master of Science degree.
In 1998 Tom bought a home in Annapolis and continued his tenure with Northrop Grumman for
over 40 years. He advanced to the position of Senior Advisory Electrical Design Engineer.
Tom enjoyed many hobbies and activities. He had a 28 ft sailboat and completed the
Chesapeake Sailing School Basic Seamanship course, the United States Coast Guard Sailing
and Seamanship Course, and the USCG Advanced Coastal Navigation Course.
Tom was also a licensed general radiotelephone operator through the Federal Communications
Commission.
Tom worked as a Commander with the Royal Rangers, a Christian-based scouting program for
boys; enjoying camping, hiking and classroom instruction. He enjoyed working with the boys
and sharing his Christian values.
Tom also enjoyed competitive ameture skiing and won various gold and silver metals for
downhill racing. Tom’s ski trips took him out West to Park City, Utah as well as North to the
White Mountains, to West Virginia and local Maryland skiing, as well as Pocono Mountain skiing
in Pennsylvania.
Tom also enjoyed racing and building miniature stock cars for competitive racing. He shared his
love of racing with Jason, his great nephew. Tom built several racing tracks for Jason also.
Tom was a dedicated employee to Northrop Grumman and won various awards of excellence.
Tom loved life and loved his family and friends. Tom was gentle in nature and always willing to
give of his time and energy for others. He will be greatly missed by all.
In lieu of flowers we ask that family and friends consider making a donation to Memorial Baptist
Church - Next Gen Ministries at 1096 Biglerville Rd, Gettysburg, PA 17325 or an online
donation on their Website at www.memorialbaptistpa.org. Tom enjoyed working with the youth
and would be very pleased that contributions could contribute to raising the next generation of
disciples that serve and honor Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
A private Celebration of Life service will be held at Northrop Grumman this week. A public
memorial service is being planned in Upper Chichester, Pennsylvania some time in April, 2023.
All are welcome to attend the Celebration of Life in Upper Chichester and plans will be
announced at a later date. Burial will be private following this memorial service at Lawn Croft
Cemetery in Linwood, Pennsylvania.
The family wishes to thank everyone for your friendship to Tom and ask that you keep his
family/friends in prayer as we navigate this time of grief and loss.
What’s your fondest memory of Thomas?
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Share a story where Thomas' kindness touched your heart.
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