Richard Martin Smith passed away peacefully at home on November 19, 2025, at the age of 78. He is reunited in heaven with his beloved wife Carol.

Rich was a devoted husband, dedicated father and doting grandfather, fondly named “Honey” by his granddaughters. He is survived by his children, Matthew (Kerry), Meaghan (Matthew) and Tim (Katie); grandchildren, Ty, A.J., Annabelle, Lorelei and Scarlett; and by many family members and friends.

Born on January 27, 1947, to Charles and Blanche, Rich grew up in Oklahoma and California alongside his three older siblings, Ronald, Charles and Modela. He carried a spark of mischief and quick wit from an early age and often reminisced about joyriding in his father’s car with a childhood friend.

Rich graduated from Mt. Eden High School in Hayward, California, and after graduation worked as a brakeman for the Southern Pacific Railroad. Shortly after, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the Vietnam War. He was always proud of the flag and the country he served, which was readily apparent from his U.S.A. eagle tattoo on his bicep.

On September 14, 1979, Rich was united in marriage to Carol. That same year, they built their home in Muskego, where they were blessed with wonderful neighbors on Edith Court for over 45 years. Rich and Carol were also longtime members of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Muskego, where they both enjoyed volunteering and made many great friends.

Over the years, Rich also worked at Bear Automotive, Braeger Chevrolet and Advance Auto Parts. His love of cars, especially his Chevy Silverado, was well known and he never missed the Milwaukee Auto Show with Tim.

Family was always Rich’s first priority. He found joy in life’s simple pleasures: home-cooked meals (like his famous breaded pork chops), mowing the lawn, working on puzzles and family vacations up north at Deer Path Resort in Conover. There, he enjoyed fishing with his sons and father in law, Al Tills. In later years, he loved to take the kids and grandkids skiing and tubing behind his boat and cherished time with the great friends the family made at the resort.

Ever the handyman, Rich could fix just about anything, from household repairs to cars. He was always the first to offer a helping hand when someone needed it. And as Carol faced cancer, he was the most loving, steady caregiver. He also tenderly cared for his mother in law, Margaret Tills.

In recent years, Rich loved to “ride the rails,” and he looked forward to his Amtrak train trips and visits with Matthew, Kerry and their family in Seattle. Also meaningful were the moments he shared with his granddaughters, from school pick-ups to Saturday lunches together.

Rich will be infinitely missed by his family.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, December 2, at 3 p.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Muskego. Visitation will begin at 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Stars and Stripes Honor Flight Wisconsin.