Ronald E. Smith, age 83 of Littlestown, PA passed away peacefully on May 6, 2026. Born December 21, 1942 in Hanover, PA, he is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, JoAnn Cookson Smith, and their two children, Rhonda Smith Gehman, Hanover and Michael J. Smith, Herndon, VA, and two grandsons, Gavin M. Smith and Alexander G. Smith of Virginia. Ron was predeceased by his beloved parents-in-law, Joseph M. and Thelma G. Cookson, brother-in law, Michael Cookson, and parents Wilford W. and Mildred Sue Smith.

A member of the Class of 1961 of Eichelberger High School, Ron served his country honorably with the U.S. Army. He retired from Utz Quality Foods, Inc. after 40 years, followed by 8 years of employment with Kenworthy Funeral Home.

A member of St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Hanover, Ron served with the usher team, church renovation fund-raising committee, and greeting team. Earlier in life, as a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Littlestown, he served on church council, chancel choir, and usher team.

Ron’s life revolved around family and community. He was a lifetime member of Alpha Fire Co. #20, having served with Fire Police and Ambulance Corps. As President of Littlestown Lions Club, Ron coordinated with Maple Avenue Middle School Administration to sponsor and implement the first Drug and Alcohol Awareness Program for students and parents. For several years, he served as co-chairman of Littlestown Good Ole Days, coached Littlestown Small-Fry Baseball and Elementary Football, and coordinated an annual Utz Foods Employee Seafood Party. Following retirement, he organized a monthly R.O.M.E.O. (Retired Old Men Eating Out) Breakfast Club for Utz retirees.

An avid sportsman, Ron enjoyed bowling, hunting, golfing, playing baseball, watching college football and basketball, dancing, playing cards, maintaining his yard, and vacationing with family at the beach. He enjoyed travels throughout the U.S. and cruising the Caribbean, northern U.S. and Canada. Known as a friend to all, Ron’s proudest, most joyous moments in life were spending time with family and friends.

A memorial service in celebration of Ron’s life will be held at Kenworthy Funeral Home, 269 Frederick, St., Hanover, PA on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The family will receive friends and relatives from 10 am until 11:30 am prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, and to honor Ron’s memory, the family asks simply to plant a tree, or add a little kindness into the world. To express condolences, please visit kenworthyfuneralhome.com. Contributions in Ron’s memory may be made to Pappus House, 66 Big Mount Rd., Thomasville, PA 17364 or VNA of Hanover and Spring Grove, 440 Madison St., Hanover, PA 17331.