Paul E. Smith

Paul was born on March 12, 1938, in Sinnamahoning, PA (Cameron County), a son of the late Clarence E. and Bernice (Bronson) Smith.  Paul passed away surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.

As a young boy, Paul moved to Erie with his family and lived on the East Side. He began working at an early age, employed at several gas stations. Paul also worked at Meadow Brook Dairy and Quinberry Tool & Die. He later took a position at Ras Auto Body, where he became the shop foreman. He learned the trade well there and eventually opened his own business, Smith Auto Body, on West 26th Street, which he operated for 18 years. Paul repaired and sold vehicles and operated a State Inspection Station. He expanded his business in 1976 with the purchase of a building in Lake City, PA. There, he operated his body shop, state inspection station, and a salvage yard (Lake City Auto Parts). Over time, Paul began selling body shop repair products, paint, and industrial supplies, which grew into his main business, Lake City Paint and Supply, still in operation today. Paul retired from his business in 2011.

Throughout his life, Paul often said that the greatest thing he ever did was marry his wife, Sally Ann. He shared that she was the person who made everything possible. Paul was also immensely proud of his eight children and all his grandchildren, frequently saying how blessed he felt to have such a large and loving family.

He was a member of the Lake Erie Lodge #347 F&AM, the Zem Zem Shrine, the PA National Guard 112th Infantry, and the U.S. Army Reserves. Paul was a lifetime member of the 112th Infantry Regiment Association and a Deputy Sheriff for the Erie County PA Mounted Sheriff’s Posse. He was also a member of the Girard American Legion Post #494 and attended the Federated Church of East Springfield and the Girard Alliance Church.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Alice Freedline and Mary Grahn, and two brothers, Roy and Bert Smith.

His family includes his wife, Sally Ann (Loeslein) Smith, whom he married on June 13, 1959, at Sacred Heart Church in Erie; three daughters, Dorothy S. Smith (Tina Milliron), Wendy R. Gilson (Mike), and Jennifer M. Mills (Brian); five sons, Paul “Scott” Smith (Michele), Robert A. Smith, Richard D. Smith, Raymond T. Smith (Ann), and Matthew D. Smith; a sister, Iva Daire; 15 grandchildren, Katherine (Dwight), Amanda (Chris), Elizabeth (Trey), Rachel (Rick), Shannon (Josh), Mallorey (Jesse), Megan (Chris), Mara (Jerome), Dawson (Wendy), Alexandria (Marianne), Katelyn, Patrick, Wyatt, Olivia, and Hailey; 17 great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews.

 In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Shriners Children’s Erie, 1645 West 8th Street, Erie, PA 16505.

Friends may call at Girard Alliance Church, 229 Rice Avenue, Girard, PA on Thursday, March 5th from 1:00pm-4:00pm and 6:00pm-8:00pm for visitation and attend services there the following day, Friday, March 6th at 10:00am. Interment will be in Hope Cemetery.

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