Obituary of Leland R. Smith

Leland R. "Pete" Smith, Jr., age 92, died on February 15, 2013. Pete was born at 129 Main Street, Wellsboro, PA, on October 16, 1920. Pete was the son of Leland Smith, Sr. and Sarah Elizabeth Smith. Pete grew up in Wellsboro, and graduated from Wellsboro High School in 1938. Pete served in the Army/Air Force, where he was stationed in Northern England. While stationed in England, he met his wife, Audrey, who passed away in 1998, after 54 years of marriage. Pete was assigned to the B17 Bomber Group, where he flew 31 strategic bombing missions of German targets. He participated in the Normandy Invasion on June 25, 1944. Pete was a hardworking, dedicated worker throughout his life. He retired from Borden's Milk Plant in 1980. He had a remarkable knack for being able to fix most anything with an engine. Pete loved the outdoors and until the very end of his life, he cut and skidded trees off his own property, chopped his wood, and kept his woodstove warm with a glowing fire for the comfort of his family and friends. Pete is survived by: Sons, Terence W. (Clara) Smith of Long Island, NY; Michael C. (Brenda) Smith of Wellsboro, PA; Granddaughters, Julie (Greg) Dubin of Brooklyn, NY; Tracey Smith of Wellsboro, PA; Sarah (Bruce) Vickery of Wellsboro, PA; Grandson, Brandon Smith of Pittsburgh, PA; and Great-grandchildren, Noah and Micah Vickery of Wellsboro, PA. He was predeceased by his sisters and brother as follows: Florence Smith, Lillian Smith, Waldo Smith, Ida Freeman, and survived by Emma Shaw of Wellsboro, PA. It was a true honor and privilege to know Pete Smith. His sons, Terry and Mike, are forever grateful for the love and care of their father. Memorials may be directed to the Disabled American Veterans. Buckheit Funeral Chapel and Crematory, Inc., 637 S. Main St., Mansfield, PA is assisting the family. www.buckheitfcandcrematory.com