William J. Smith

It is with great sadness that the family of William J. (Bill) Smith announces the passing of their
beloved father, brother, grandfather, and uncle. William passed away, with his daughter at his
side, at Wayne Memorial Hospital on August 3, 2024, after an illness.
William was born January 19, 1939 in Honesdale, Pennsylvania. He was the son of Anthony
and Isabelle (Tuman) Smith. He was the second of five children and was a 1957 graduate of
Hawley High School.
William served in the Army as part of the Military Police, deployed in France. Upon discharge,
he worked for John Knoll, Inc. splicing telephone cable across the northeast. He also worked
for the Greeley Lumber Company and Murray Company, where he learned his trade of plumbing
and heating.
William married his wife, Joan M. (Gosciewski) Smith on May 29, 1971.
William went on to become self-employed and the owner and operator of William J. Smith,
Plumbing and Heating. After retiring from the plumbing and heating business, he drove bus for
the Wayne County Transportation system for approximately 15 years.
William was dedicated to his family and could always be found at his children’s sporting events,
concerts, or activities. Later in life, he showed the same dedication to his grandchildren and
their activities. William enjoyed hunting and shooting and continued these activities with his son
and grandsons into his eighties. He also enjoyed spending time with his family and rarely
missed an event or party.
William had a love for traveling and, after retirement, toured the United States. He would travel
often, whether it was solo, with his wife, or with his daughter and grandson. He had a particular
passion for our country’s National Parks.
He was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in White Mills until it was closed and merged
with St. John’s and St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Honesdale. He enjoyed going for breakfast
every Sunday after mass.
William is survived by his daughter Kathryn A. Smith and partner Clarence Myers of Honesdale;
his son Martin J. Smith and wife Crystal of Jefferson Township; his grandsons Caleb W. Lavelle
and Lukas J. Smith; his sister Kathy Bea and husband John of Hawley; his sister Karen Smith of
White Mills; his sister in-law Kandy Smith of Hawley; his brother in-law Joseph Gosciewski of
Union Dale; and nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 47 years, Joan M. (Gosciewski) Smith; brother James
Smith and wife Edwina; brother C. Daniel Smith; brother-in-law Leo Gosciewski; brother-in law
John Gosciewski; sister-in-law Margaret Prezelski; nephew Walter Prezelski; niece Buttina
(Tina) (Smith) Augello; and nephew John R. Bea.
He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, August 17th at St. Mary Magdalen
Church in Honesdale at 11:00. Interment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery. Friends may visit
Hessling Funeral Home, Inc., 428 Main St. Honesdale on Saturday, 9:00 A.M. to 10:30 A.M.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the National Park Service, D&H Canal
Historical Society, The Old Time Fiddlers of Galilee, PA, or a charity of your choice. The family
asks that you perform a good deed or a random act of kindness in his honor.