Gary Smith

Gary N. Smith, 58, of Spring Township, passed away August 8, 2011 at 4:30 pm in The Reading Hospital & Medical Center. He was the husband of Deborah A. (Thompson) Smith. Born in East St. Louis, Illinois. He was the son of the late Gerald A. and Margaret N. (Brong) Smith. He was a 1970 graduate of Schuylkill Valley High School and received an Associate degree in Specialized Technology/Electronics Technology from Lincoln Technical Institute in Allentown. Gary began his career with Gust & Westley as a small products technician in 1974. From 1992-1998 he became General Manager/Service Manager of Radio Maintenance, Inc. in Reading, formerly Gust & Westley. In 1994 he became an owner of the company also holding the title of Vice President/Operations. Gary was a member of Advent Lutheran Church, West Lawn. He was a Certified Electronics Technician, FCC General Radio-Telephone First Class Operator, member of APCO National and PA Chapter, Enterprise Wireless Association, Amateur Radio Operator, KB3UNM, USMSS Association, Berks County Radio Communications Committee, Region 28 700 MHz Technical Committee. He began his career as a drummer with the Emmaus Sentinels as a member of their drumline. After his family relocated to the Reading area he joined the Reading Buccaneers as a bass drummer and moved to the position as snare drummer, stepping into the drum score arranger and instructor with the Buccaneers. He taught St. Andrew's Bridgemen in New Jersey and the Souderton High School Band Drumline.
In addition to his wife, Gary is survived by his sons Matthew R. Smith of Kutztown and Jordan P. Smith of Wyomissing. He is also survived by his sister Joan D. Shiban of Gainesville, VA and brothers William G. Smith of Bainbridge, NY and Brian C. Smith of Orrtanna, PA as well as several nieces and nephews.