Larry Z. Smith

Larry Z. Smith, age 80, of Bloomsburg, died unexpectedly on Thursday morning, December 26, 2013 at his home in Montour Township. Larry was born on Thursday, October 5, 1933 in Bloomsburg, a son of the late Oscar and Ethel (Yohey) Smith. In 1951, Larry completed his high school education after graduating from the Catawissa High School. Immediately following his high school education, Larry attended Susquehanna University briefly before enlisting in the United States Air Force. During his enlistment, Larry was a member of the first USAF Academy Band for two years and played for Dwight D. Eisenhower’s Presidential inauguration. In 1962, Larry was employed by Catawissa Borough as a police officer for over six years. On May 14, 1964, Larry married his loving wife, Gloria Heimbach. Larry joined the Bloomsburg Police Department in 1968 and in 1979 was appointed Chief of Police. For over 33 years, Larry was employed by the Town of Bloomsburg until his retirement in 2001. Although never fully retiring, Larry was later employed by Columbia County Courthouse Screening Team. Larry was a devoted member of the Espy Trinity United Methodist Church, past president of the F.O.P. Lodge #52 of Susquehanna Valley, past board member of the local American Red Cross, past board member of the Bloomsburg Women’s Center, past president of the Northeast Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association, and past Secretary of Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association. In 1959, Larry was preceded in death by a son, Scott Smith; and also by a brother, Ted Smith in 1995. Surviving is his beloved wife of 49 years, Gloria (Heimbach) Smith; six children: Stephen Smith and wife, Rosemary, of Berwick; Debra Fry and husband, Brian, of Andersonville, TN; Kathy Smith of Bloomsburg; Gary Smith and wife, Sandra, also of Bloomsburg; Kimberly Ripkey and husband, Todd, of Kinzers, PA; and Douglas Smith and wife, Danielle, of Brentwood, TN; eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Private Funeral Services will be held today at the Allen Funeral Home, Inc., 745 Market Street, Bloomsburg, with his pastor, Rev. Caleb Fritz, officiating. Larry will be laid to rest with full Military and F.O.P. Honors in the New Rosemont Cemetery, Espy. Memorial contributions in Larry’s name are suggested to: Bloomsburg American Red Cross, 119 E. 7th Street, Bloomsburg; the Bloomsburg Women’s Center, 111 Market Street, Bloomsburg; or Trinity United Methodist Church, 2351 Old Berwick Road, Bloomsburg.

Larry Z. Smith

October 5, 1933 - December 26, 2013