DeWitt C. Smith III

DeWitt C. Smith III, 84, passed away on August 14, 2026, leaving behind a life defined by devotion to family, a deep and abiding faith, a compassionate heart, and a genuine curiosity about the people and world around him. Born on October 5, 1941, in Glenside, Pennsylvania, DeWitt was the son of DeWitt C. Smith II and Grace Hodges Smith and the older brother of Charles P. Smith. From an early age, he embraced life with enthusiasm and a wide range of interests. He played soccer, danced, rode horses, and developed a lifelong love of music. An accomplished guitarist, DeWitt even played in a band during his college years—a glimpse of the spirited and occasionally mischievous side that those closest to him knew so well. DeWitt first attended the University of Miami before answering the call to serve his country by joining the United States Air Force. He distinguished himself during his service and was proudly named Airman of the Year, an honor that reflected the dedication and character he would bring to so many aspects of his life. Following his military service, DeWitt built his career in television broadcasting during an extraordinary period of innovation and change in the industry. He was part of a generation working at the forefront of emerging broadcast technology, building a career in a field that was helping to transform the way people experienced and understood the world. Yet for all that DeWitt accomplished, the center of his life was always his family. While living in Philadelphia, he met Gene R. Fusakio, the woman who would become his wife and lifelong companion. They married on March 16, 1968, beginning a marriage that would span 58 years. His devotion to Gene remained one of the great constants of his life and one of the things of which he was most proud. Together, DeWitt and Gene built a family that meant everything to him. He was the loving father of Danna Lynne Schum, Scott DeWitt Smith, and Kelly Gene Smith; father-in-law to Vincent R. Schum; and grandfather to Chase Smith and Vladimir Schum. Family extended beyond generations and bloodlines for DeWitt. He shared an especially close and loving relationship with Gene's parents, Gene and Rose, who held a treasured place in his heart and in his life. DeWitt had an adventurous spirit and a genuine love of living. Being a grandfather brought tremendous joy and pride, and he cherished the special bonds he shared with his grandchildren, including the particularly special love and connection with Chase. He loved spending time on the water boating with his family, horseback riding, traveling, particularly to Italy, playing music, and the companionship of his beloved dog, Niko. But perhaps what he enjoyed most was simply connecting with people. DeWitt was not particularly interested in staying at the surface. He loved intimate conversations, learning people's stories, understanding what mattered to them, and forming meaningful connections. That curiosity came from an extraordinarily kind and empathetic heart. DeWitt possessed a natural compassion for others and had a way of making people feel that their lives and stories mattered. Those who knew him also knew the twinkle behind that kindness—his mischievous sense of humor and the playful spirit that remained a part of him throughout his life. His faith was an important part of who he was and, along with his love for Gene and his family, helped guide him throughout his life. Of all his accomplishments, DeWitt's greatest source of pride was not professional recognition or personal achievement. It was his children, the family he and Gene created, and the commitment he made and kept to the woman he loved for 58 years. His family hopes that DeWitt will be remembered above all for the way he loved: his unwavering love for his family, his devotion to his wife, and the compassion he extended to the many people whose lives crossed his own. His was a life enriched by curiosity, faith, adventure, music, laughter, conversation, and connection. And for those fortunate enough to have been loved by him, that love will remain. Services Family and friends are invited to a visitation and viewing on Friday, August 28, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. ONLY at the Fiore Funeral Home, 230 Market Street, Bangor, Pennsylvania 18013. A Funeral Mass and Military Burial will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Third & Garibaldi Avenues, Roseto Pennsylvania 18013. Military honors will be presented at Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Roseto, in recognition of DeWitt's service to his country. Online condolences may be offered at www.fiorefuneralhome.com

DeWitt C. Smith III

October 5, 1941 - August 14, 2026