Stephen R. Smith

Stephen R. Smith Sr., of Blue Bell, PA, loving husband of Geraldine (Ferens) Smith, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Thursday, September 18, 2025.

Born in Philadelphia, PA he was the son of Matthew R. Smith and Evelyn Groogan Smith.

Steve was born on June 2, 1944 and grew up in Margate, NJ. He graduated from Holy Spirit High School where he excelled at sports and made life-long friends. He went on to be a proud Alumni of Mount Saint Mary’s University, where he graduated with a degree in History. He met his bride, Gerry Sue, at the Jersey Shore the summer after he graduated and it was love at first sight. They married on February 11, 1967, and enjoyed 58 loving years together.

After graduating, Steve ambitiously paved his way in the world of Insurance. He started out in claims at Liberty Mutual in Columbus, OH, while going to Law School at night.  His talent with people was quickly noticed and he got pulled onto the Sales team where he excelled immediately.

News of his success traveled East and a headhunter offered Steve an opportunity to join a growing Agency in Philadelphia. Always a man of vision and courage, Steve decided to take the job and moved Gerry and two young kids to Collingdale, PA. By the mid-1980’s Steve had started his own Agency, which would become Smith Insurance Associates. Over its 40-year run, Smith Insurance became the industry leader in Condominium, high rise, apartment and other real estate insurance. Steve was actively involved in both the Community Association Institute and Apartment Association of Greater Philadelphia, where business partners became friends.

However, his proudest accomplishment by far was being a Dad and Poppy. Steve never missed the chance to be with his family. He overcame several medical challenges in recent years and, without complaint, powered through to make sure he was there for every milestone for his Grandkids. He loved sports (Penn State Football, Phillies, Eagles), boating, traveling, socializing, the roulette wheel, spending time in Palm Coast, FL and being on his deck in Ocean City, NJ. He enjoyed all those things most when he was doing them with his family and friends.

A man of many talents, Steve’s humor would capture the room showcasing his biggest gift: making those around him feel welcome. He was a man of tremendous integrity and diligence, making him a fabulous mentor to his children who all worked with him over the years. Outside of the office, he was generous without wanting recognition, thoughtful without expectation, and loving without condition. Until we meet him again, we strive to remember that death leaves a heartache no one can heal, but Love leaves a memory no one can steal.

Steve was preceded in death by his sisters Cindy Thompson and Penny Crubaugh, as well as his parents. He is survived by his wife Geraldine, his four children: Stephen R. Smith Jr. (Ruth Ann), Kellie Friel (Brian), Christopher Smith (Carrie), and Megan Whelan (Brendan). He was cherished and admired by his ten Grandchildren Mattie Farquharson (Anthony), Molly, Julia (fiancé Matt Dawson), Lizzie, Emily, Cydney, Cali, Kyle, Brynn and Ryan, two Great-Grandchildren Trey & Myla, and his loving nephews, nieces and cousins.

Relatives and friends are invited to pay their respects on Thursday, September 25, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM in the Narthex of Corpus Christi Church, 900 Sumneytown Pike, Lansdale, PA 19446. His funeral mass will follow at 11AM at Corpus Christi.

Interment will take place in St. John Neumann Cemetery, Chalfont, PA following the mass.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made in his memory to Penn State THON at donate.thon.org