Brought
to you by:
Brought
to you by:

Dan P. Smith 1949-2025

Dan P. Smith was born March 6, 1949, in East Cleveland, Ohio, to parents Elizabeth and Glenn Smith. Dan went on to Penn State’s Main Campus where he majored in Mineral Economics and Business.

This interest developed after working in the Morton Salt Mine in Cleveland. A lifelong Penn State fan, he was a lover of all things PSU and a staunch supporter of the legendary Joe Paterno.

Dan loved his days at Penn State. He was a student athlete excelling in running, lacrosse and soccer. He coached many a youth soccer team when his sons played the game.

Dan had a beautiful baritone voice and sang The Star Spangled Banner with gusto. He loved all genres of music. After leaving Cleveland, he remained an ardent supporter of the Cleveland Orchestra. He was friendly and quick to smile.

He loved God and Life even in the face of tragedies. He also loved music, trains, golf, a fine glass of Scotch, his Scotch/Irish heritage, a good laugh, his friends, Civil War History and above all…his entire, extended family.

Two sons, Andrew Noble Smith and Scott Allen Smith preceded Dan in death. His parents and his half brother, Gerry, also preceded him in death.

Dan is survived by his wife and longtime friend, Mara C. Smith of Chambersburg; brothers Steven (Diane, Carrie) and Ted ( fiancee Melissa) of Ohio; daughter in law Shirley Bala (Hassan) and grandchildren Andrew, Matthew, Nisha and Eman all of Virginia. Survivors also include Jen and Hal Stone of Delaware and grandchildren Zachary (Chloe), Xander and Zane. He loved them all and treasured times spent together.

Cremation was entrusted to Sellers Funeral Home.

There will be a Celebration of Life at a later date.

Memorial contributions can be made to Zion Reformed United Church of Christ, 245 S. Main Street, Chambersburg and Mercy House, 730 Norland Avenue in Chambersburg.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Dan P. Smith please visit the Sympathy Store.


MORE OBITUARIES


Runaway Juvenile

On 11/05/26 at 0725 hours, Spencer Newman ran away from his residence. Newman is 5’9, 125 pounds, white male, brown eyes, brown hair and was last seen wearing a brown

Fred Allen Blocher 1943-2026

Fred Allen Blocher, 83, of Gardners, PA passed away Saturday, October 24 2026 at his home. Born October 19, 1943 in Gettysburg, he was the son of the late Fred

Frank Charles Henry 1945-2026

Born January 4, 1945 in Washington, D.C., Frank was an avid Civil War enthusiast who loved to share his knowledge with others.

Who We Are

The Franklin County Free Press, established by Vicky Taylor in 2019, emerged as a beacon of local journalism for the residents of Franklin County. Under Vicky's leadership, it quickly became an essential source of news, particularly at a time when major newspaper publications were increasingly overlooking local coverage.

On January 1, 2022, the torch was passed to Nathan Neil and his firm, Neil Publishing, LLC. Neil, a local entrepreneur with multiple thriving businesses in Chambersburg, shares Vicky's fervent commitment to both the community and the world of local journalism.

Rooted in the heart of Franklin County and powered by its residents, the Franklin County Free Press continues to bridge the gap, ensuring that the local stories, events, and issues that matter most to the community remain in the spotlight.