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Michael J. “Mike” Smith

  • On December 28, 2023
  • 19 Comments

Michael J. “Mike” Smith, age 68, of Washington, passed away peacefully with family by his side on December 26, 2023, at the Donnell House in Washington, PA.

Born on May 17, 1955, he was the son of Faye and the late Albert Smith.

 Beloved husband of 35 years to Beth Tomazin Smith; loving father of Michael A. Smith and Sarah B. Smith; brother of Al Smith, Theresa Thomas, Ron Smith (Val), Faye Richardson, the late Barb (surviving Chuck) Jeleticand Lou Ann Rieg; also survived by many nieces and nephews.

In 1981, Mike answered an ad in the newspaper for a job at Lang’s Fashion Inc. to be the Vice President of Finances/Controller. This brought him to Washington, PA, where he met the love of his life, Beth Tomazin, who he would marry 7 years later. In 1989, he began his career at Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania as the Controller. For the next 13 years, Mike would work diligently until he was named the President/Chief Executive Officer in July 2002 and stayed in that role until his retirement in October 2022.

Mike served on many leadership/advisory Boards including Robert Morris University, Rotary Club of Pittsburgh, and Greater Pittsburgh Nonprofit Partnership. Some of the many honors he received are the 2021 Pittsburgh Business Times Outstanding CEO & Top Executives, Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow, and the 2011 Pittsburgh Business Times CEO Diamond Award.

In addition to his accomplishments professionally, Mike was a man of many passions and hobbies. He truly bled black and gold as a lifelong fan of the Penguins, the Steelers, and, confusing his children born in 1991 and 1996, the Pirates. Whether it was Pittsburgh sporting events with family and friends, midnight premieres of the new Marvel/Star Wars movies, chaperoning and sometimes winning Pokémon and Yu-Gi-Oh! tournaments, hours playing games at Dave n Busters, traveling and lounging on different beaches, hiking and fishing, being his own handyman, playing Pokémon Go with his wife, or forming countless other cherished memories, Mike always made time for his family and what he loved to do. Above all else, his greatest pride was raising his two children, Michael & Sarah, to reflect his beliefs, kindness, and love of people. 

Family, loved ones, and Mike’s many friends are invited on Saturday, December 30, 2023 for visitation from 2:00 – 6:00 pm with a service to follow at 6:00 pm at Pittsburgh Cremation & Funeral Care at 3287 Washington Rd., McMurray, PA 15317 (724-260-5546). A longer obituary will be available at pittsburghcremation.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Donnell House of Washington, PA or to the charity of your choice.

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19 Comments

Jerry Davis
Dear family of my good friend, Mike; there are few who lived life so fully and with so much love for his family and fellow man. My heart is so full of good memories and at the same time, sorrow. I will not be able to hnor Mike on Saturday since a recent surgery is keeping me from traveling, but I will be praying for him, and you, at the time of his memorial.
Kevin Baack
I got to know Mike as a colleague shortly after his appointment as CEO. We did not spend a lot of time together but I fondly remember the moments we did have. I am sorry for the family's loss.
Kathy Miller
Very sorry for your loss!
Dennis Brice
Mike was one of the most decent men I have ever known. A top notch Goodwill CEO and an even better friend. He was truly loved by one and all. His family of Beth, Michael, and Sarah are the very model of the All-American family. Mike touched so many in the most positive manner and changed lives for the better, mine included. We have lost a true giant and to say that he will be missed is a master piece of understatement. RIP my Friend. Know that you were loved and thanks for sharing your lives with us.
Frank Hammond
Mike lived a life of servant-leader as CEO of Goodwill of Southwestern PA. His passion for that organization drove him to build upon its rich heritage and touch the lives of thousands who were able to build fruitful lives by accessing the many educational & vocational programs Goodwill delivered. It was my pleasure to know and work with Mike as he fulfilled that organization’s mission.
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