Thomas C. Smith, Sr., 78, of Pittston, passed away on Saturday, January 1, 2022, at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Hospital, Wilkes-Barre. He was born in Pittston on March 22, 1943 and was the son of the late William M. Smith his father who raised him, William Malia and Clare Graham Smith Malia.
Thomas was a member of St. John The Evangelist Parish Church, Pittston. He was a graduate of St. Mary’s High School, South Side Scranton. After high school, he joined the US Army and served on active duty from 1964-1965, then served with the Army National Guard for five years. During that time, he graduated from Lackawanna County Jr. College obtaining an associates degree in accounting. Tommy has worked over 60 years in the trucking industry. He was the owner and operator of TC Smith & Sons Trucking Company and was actively working for his son, Thomas, Jr.
Thomas was very active with National Hot Rod Association, with DRAW, and Racers for Christ. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend and he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Jacqueline Serafin Smith; his children Joseph Gronski and his wife Deborah, of Phoenixville, PA., Thomas Smith, Jr. and his wife Lori, of Hughestown, Bryan Smith and his wife Jonelle, of Pittston and Nicole Karotko and her husband Matthew of Tucson, AZ; grandchildren Carissa, Laura, Joey, Logan, Abby, Kaya, Clare,
Caroline, Ryli, Aubry, and Ty; and great-grandchildren Shane, Luke and Max. Also surviving are his sisters, Cathy McGarry, of Old Forge and Patti Lou Pizzola and husband Pat, of Old Forge; his brother Billy Malia and his wife Marie, of Old Forge; and many nieces and nephews.
A mass of Christian burial will be held on Tuesday, January 4th, 2022, at 11:00am at St. John The Evangelist Church, 35 William St., Pittston with Fr. Joseph Elston officiating. Friends may call for visitation at the church from 10am until time of the mass. Family and friends that are attending the visitation or the mass are strongly encouraged to abide by the CDC guidelines to take precautions and wear a facial mask when entering the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Thomas C. Smith Race Fund. Paypal@ThomasSmith119
Arrangements are made by Kiesinger Funeral Services, Inc., 255 McAlpine St., Duryea.