Raymond Joseph Smith, age 79, a resident of Pasadena for 22 years, and formerly of Linthicum and Philadelphia, died on November 26, 2012 at the Tate Hospice House, after a two year struggle with heart disease.

He was born on June 28, 1933, in Philadelphia, to the late Ellen and Martin Smith. After graduating from LaSalle College High School in Philadelphia, he enlisted in the US Army, beginning a career that lasted until his retirement as a Chief Warrant Officer in 1976. There he worked for the Judge Advocate General’s Corps, studying law officer management and legal administration, and served as a claims investigator. He was the recipient of many awards and medals, including the Bronze Star and Legion of Merit, during his Korea and Vietnam Service. An avid sports fan, he loved the Ravens, Orioles, and thoroughbred racing.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years: Nancy M. Smith; two sons: Kevin Smith and his wife Roddi, of Dover, NH, Sean Smith and his wife Mary Jo, of Severn; his daughter Kathleen Smith, of Pasadena; four grandsons: Brendan Tompkins, of Bristol, TN, Cairns Smith, of Chicago, IL, Sean and Ryan Smith, both of Severn; and one grandaughter: Cantey Smith, of New York, NY.

The family invites friends to visit on Sunday from 1 to 3 and 6 to 8 PM at the Gregory J. Gonce Funeral Home, PA, 169 Riviera Drive, Pasadena. The procession will leave the funeral home on Monday at 10:30 AM to proceed to a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Jane Frances Church at 11 AM, with Father Raymond Martin officiating. His burial will follow, with full military honors, in Maryland Veterans Cemetery, Crownsville. Please donate to the Paralyzed Veterans of America, 801 Eighteenth St NW, Washington DC, 20006-3517, and you may express your condolences here as well.