William Hahn Smith
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William Hahn Smith, 88, of McMurray, passed away Saturday, January 27, 2018, in Donnell House, Washington.
He was born February 1, 1929, in Philadelphia, a son of the late Edwin and Lillian Rausch Smith.
Mr. Smith lived in the McMurray area since 1969 and was a member of Elks Lodge 776 and Friendly Squares.
He graduated from Mt. Lebanon High School and attended Waynesburg College, where he was a member of Phi Sigma fraternity. He graduated in 1953 with a business degree and went on to serve as a second lieutenant with the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War.
On January 27, 1957, he married Bonnie Bonifield, his steadfast partner for 61 years.
Throughout his life as an inventor, industrialist and entrepreneur, Mr. Smith accomplished many firsts. One of his earliest inventions is found in every automobile in the world: the retractable seat belt. Other inventions addressed water purification in coal mining and energy conservation in the steel, oil and glass industries while garnering awards for innovation and merit.
He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Bonnie; a son, Scott W. Smith and wife Mary of Boulder, Colo., and grandsons Schuyler, Stephon and Shaeffer and a great-grandson, Rowan; two daughters, Tracy A. Smith of Canonsburg and Stacy L. Davis of Venetia, and grandchildren Rocco, Reanna, and Giada; brother-in-law, Richard Bonifield and wife Frankie; and nephews Brad, Brent and Blaine.
Deceased, in addition to his parents, is a brother, Edwin K. Smith.
At the request of the deceased, the visitation, services and interment with full military honors by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 191 Honor Guard, Canonsburg, and U.S. Marine Corps in National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Cecil Township, are private.
Arrangements are entrusted to Salandra Funeral and Cremation Services Inc., Joseph P. Salandra, funeral director, owner/supervisor, 304 West Pike Street, Canonsburg (724-745-8120).
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice.
To view or extend condolences, visit www.salandrafunerals.com.