Richard B. “Dick” Smittle

Richard B. “Dick” Smittle, age 82, of Valencia, PA, formerly of Paden City, WV, passed away peacefully at home on Friday evening, September 5, 2025, with family at his side.

Born March 5, 1943, to Maxine Ilene Anderson and Dillon Baird Smittle, Dick lived a life filled with love, laughter, and learning. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Karen Lucile Vannoy; children Wes (Anne) Smittle and Robin (Thomas) Butts; grandchildren Charlotte Smittle, Margaret (Darrell) Sagun, Mattias Butts, and Tegan Butts; great-grandchild Rowan Wesley Sagun; brother Dillon “Hank” (Donna) Smittle; his sisters, Kathy (Allen) Pryor and Pam (Steve) Billeter; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Dick earned degrees from West Virginia University and North Carolina State University, including a Ph.D. in Food Science/Microbiology. He worked at the FDA, Best Foods, and Silliker Laboratories Group, where he became president and part-owner. He taught at NYU, Kean College, and Lord Fairfax Community College.

A proud Mountaineer, Dick loved the Lord, his family, fly-fishing, painting, and a perfectly mixed “martooni.”

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at LifePointe Alliance Church, 997 Rt. 228, Mars, PA 16046. Reception to follow. Arrangements are under the direction of the McDonald-Aeberli Funeral Home, Inc. 238 Crowe Ave. Mars, PA 16046 and condolences are available at www.mcdonald-aeberli.com.