Rev. Alvin Woodrow Smith, Jr.

Age 90, formerly of Mt. Lebanon, PA, went home to be with his Heavenly Father on February 3, 2024. He is survived by the love of his life, Rosemary Marlene (Tebay), to whom he was married for 65 years. Alvin was father of Gretchen (David) Hoover, Woody, and Sally Kay (Tim) Hunter, and was PopPop of Alex, Bryce, Kara, Tori, Sydney, Marlee, and Heidi.

Born October 1, 1933, in St. Johnsbury, VT, to the late Alvin W. Sr. and Sarah (Wallace) Smith, Alvin was a twin and youngest of six. Alvin is preceded in death by siblings Robert Self, Annette (Fischer), Barbara (Scovell), Alice (Joseph), and survived by his older brother, Kenneth, and by many nieces and nephews. 

Alvin spent many of his formative years in Orlando, FL, where he gained his life long love of the ocean. He earned a B.A. in English from Florida Southern College in Lakeland, FL, paying his way working as a laborer on Frank Lloyd Wright campus building projects. He then served as a Medic in the U. S. Army Reserves. After relocating to Pittsburgh, PA, he completed his M.Div. from Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary. 

Alvin leaves behind a legacy of service to God and his community. Alvin and Marlene served as missionaries to Cyprus, teaching English and leading Bible studies. He pastored churches in Newburgh, NY, Bloomington, IN, and Pittsburgh, PA. He was the Religion Editor for the Herald Telephone newspaper in Bloomington, IN. He impacted the greater Pittsburgh community for many years providing pastoral services for Laughlin Funeral Homes and as a Chaplain at Allegheny General Hospital. Alvin could quote large amounts of scripture from memory and loved to use his beautiful singing voice to harmonize on hymns and psalms. 

Alvin had an avid passion for classical music, collecting records and frequently attending the opera and symphony with Marlene. He was also a car buff, quick to help stranded motorists or get his hands dirty with a repair. Alvin enjoyed camping with his family and fishing from his boat on Lake Arthur was a favorite pastime. 

Friendly to all, and always ready to lend a hand to anyone in need, Alvin also had a great sense of humor that put people at ease. Alvin lived his life with conviction and gave God the glory in all things. His deep faith in his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, is what he would most want to be remembered for. 

The Family will receive friends at Bible Baptist Church, 412 Old Washington Pike, Scott Township, PA 15106 on Friday afternoon March 15, 2024 from 1:00 until a Celebration of Life Service at 2:00 o'clock. https://www.bbcpittsburgh.com

If desired, memorials may be made to Wounded Warriors Project  http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate

www.laughlinfuneralhome.com