Michael P. Smith

On February 4, 2020, Michael P. Smith passed away due to a well-used heart. Mike passed away surrounded by his children and wife at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA.

Mike was born in Meadville, PA to the late Dorothy Marie (Dittrich) Smith and Paul Harvey Smith and stepmother, Barb Loiacono Smith.  He married Karen A. McIntyre June 27, 1970 and she survives.

Mike attended Meadville High School, graduating in 1965.  Mike was a mechanical draftsman for Abex, Saegertown Manufacturing, Starlite and Meadville Forge before becoming a founding partner in Acutec Precision Aerospace, Inc. There, along with the other intuitive and ingenious partners, Mike helped to take Acutec to infinity and beyond retiring in 2006.

Mike had a healthy respect for BBQ.  He created, crafted and celebrated Pig Out BBQ for the past 10 years. He was very proud of his sauce and product and was validated by some of the longest lines at any given fair during the summers!  Mike was full of wanderlust and curiosity. He knew the value of a well-placed swear word, never did anything on a paltry scale, was a master storyteller and loved a good (often off color) limerick.

His life adventures were legendary.  Whether it be the time he channeled his inner Huck Finn by building a boat and floating down the Mississippi River at the age of 60 or the act of stuffing the Christmas tree with copious amount of fireworks and gasoline to ring in the new year.  Adventures were always large, fun and important.  If you were doing something with Mike, it was never going to be boring.  It was always going to be an adventure and worthy of a good story.

Mike leaves behind his family. In addition to his wife Karen, he is survived by two daughters, Michele Deeney Levenson and her husband Matt of Wilmington, NY and Traci L. Smith of Lancaster, NY; a son, Kevin P. Smith and future daughter-in-law, Anna Niciu of Blooming Valley; five grandchildren, Schuyler Deeney, Carter Deeney, Bridgette Deeney, Jackson T. Deeney and Bryce Smith; a brother, Kirk E. Smith of Meadville; a sister, Lynn M. Smith of Meadville; three step sisters, Ann Zurasky and her husband Harry of Townville, Linda Loiacono of Guys Mills and Mary Jo Lohrer of Meadville; many nieces and nephews (favorites: you know who you are) and an abundance of important friends and acquaintances.

He was predeceased by his parents, stepmother and brother and sister-in-law Mark C. and Patricia Smith.

It is with a heavy heart that we say so long to ‘The Other Kind of Mike’. He was influential, regarded, loved and full of life.  Mike would ask all of us to continue to honor nature, fish, explore, put Old Bay seasoning on everything and stay curious as there is a whole world out there just waiting for you to instigate….hold on, hold on …. investigate.

Visitation will be Saturday, February 8th from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Robert W. Waid Funeral Home, Inc., 581 Chestnut Street, Meadville.  Following which everyone is invited to Hitchy’s Tavern, 18454 US Hwy 6 & 19, Saegertown to gather and celebrate Mike’s life.

In lieu of flowers, a scholarship fund will be established in Mike's memory.  Please consider making a future donation.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.waidfuneralhome.net