Daniel J. Smith

Daniel J. Smith, 83, of Kutztown, passed away Wednesday, January 1, 2025. He was the husband of Barbara H. (Morrison) Smith, they were married for 57 years. Born in Kutztown, he was the son of the late Allen and Mary (Staublein) Smith. Dan was a graduate of Kutztown High school class of 1959 and earned a mechanics degree from the Commercial Trade Institute. He proudly served in the US Navy where he was a water safety instructor and also worked as a lifeguard as the old Kutztown Swimming Pool. He worked at Carpenter Technology for 35 years. Dan was a long time member of St. John’s Lutheran Church. He served 41 years as a firefighter, ten of which was as the assistant chief and ten years as the President.  He was also an original member of Freddie Adam’s Pit Crew. He enjoyed coaching KYAA baseball and softball and in 1993 he was honored by the Kutztown Grange as the most outstanding Citizen of the Year for his dedication to KYAA youth programs.In addition to his wife Barbara, he is survived by sons: John G. of Kutztown, Joseph, husband of Shellie (Kibler) of Kutztown; daughter, Jennifer, wife of Charles Brensinger of Kutztown; 7 grandchildren: Nicole Shrunk wife of Kyle, Courtney Knauer wife of Jake, Brandon Bailey, Tanjie Kramer wife of Cody, Katy Bailey Fiancé of Jordan Blatt, Trista Wehr wife of Kyle, Hunter Smith Husband of Lanie; 4 great grandchildren: Adelina, Chase, Caden, Elena; 4 step grandchildren: Brody, Kylie, Lucas, Anthony. He was predeceased by brother Allen and sister Elaine Smith Ambrose. Services, January 25, 2025 in St. John's Lutheran Church, 201 East Main St. Kutztown at 11am. Visitation with the family from 10:30 to 11 and after Military Honors in Fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association,  the American Heart Association or St John's Lutheran Church. Edward J. Hildenbrand Funeral Home Inc. Kutztown in charge of arrangements.