Ethan Smith Jr

Ethan A. Smith Jr., 97, of Reading PA, passed away peacefully on February 18, 2021 after a long and fulfilling life.

Predeceased by his wife of 56 years, Ruth J. (Erlacher) Smith, his brother, Richard Smith and Sister, Audrey (Smith) Reinhart. He is survived by a son, daughter, brother Jacque and a sister-in-law, Trudy (Erlacher) Ritter, 3 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

Ethan was born on August 4, 1923 to Ethan A. Smith Sr. and Mary E. (Tyson) Smith. After graduating from Shillington High School in 1941, graduating as valedictorian, he went on to graduate from Lehigh University in 1948 with highest honors, earning a BS in Mechanical Engineering. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1942 after completing one year of college and was assigned to the 4th fighter squadron of the 52nd fighter group flying P-51 Mustangs. Shot down September 17, 1944 behind enemy lines over Czechoslovakia and missing in action until October 7, eventually returning to the US to work as a flight instructor until the war ended.

After retiring from NGK Metals in 1986, Ethan spent his time traveling internationally and visiting with family and friends spread across the US.

For his 90th birthday, his brother, Jacque, arranged for him to fly a restored P-51 in Florida. This was a testament to how he lived his life.

The family would like to thank the caregivers from Green Hills Manor, as well as Visiting Angels and Compassus Hospice for all their hard work, support and care they provided. Online condolences may made at www.beanfuneralhomes.com.