Douglas James Smith

Douglas James Smith of Manheim Township, Pennsylvania passed away Saturday, September 16, 2017 at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. He was 63 years old.

The husband of Patricia Smith and father to Gianna and Aidan Smith, Doug was an amazing and incredibly brave man who loved his family well.

Doug was born in Youngstown, Ohio and lived in Sellersville, Pennsylvania for many years before moving to Lancaster. Doug was employed in patient financial services at Grandview Hospital in Sellersville, PA. He was a Sellersville Borough Council member for 19 years, serving as President of the Council for 10 of those years.

Wheelchair bound for many years, Doug never allowed his wheelchair to define him or limit him. He was a familiar figure wherever he lived, often seen outside on his electric scooter with a child on his lap or a dog on a leash (or both). Grounded in and sustained by his faith, he loved and life his to the fullest.

In addition to his wife and 2 children, Doug leaves behind his mother, Beverly Smith of New Middletown, Ohio, 3 sisters; Denise Gracon of Cleveland, Ohio, Deborah Kalasky of Canfield, Ohio and Deanna McCrea of Chicago, Illinois. He was predeceased by his father James Smith in 2016.

A celebration of Doug’s life will be held at DeBord Snyder Funeral Home, 141 E Orange Street, Lancaster, PA 17602 on Friday September 22, 2017. Friends and family are welcome to call at 6:30 PM, with services to start at 7:30 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Doug’s name to Love Inc of Lancaster County, 1925 Wheatland Ave, Lancaster, PA 17603.