Phillip Harris Smith
July 10, 1940 – June 13, 2026
Our loving husband, father, and grandfather, Phillip “Phil” Harris Smith, 85, of Lower Makefield, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on June 13th, 2026.
Phil was born on July 10th, 1940 in Trenton, NJ, to Ann (Peltin) Smith and Samuel “Smitty” Smith. He is survived by his wife, Ruth (Goldberg) Smith, with whom he shared over 46 years of marriage; also, his son, Steven Todd Smith; his daughter, Allison Lee Smith; his son-in-law, Samuel Matthew Rankin; his grandson, Samuel “Sammy” Elliot Rankin; his brother, Stanley “Sandy” Smith; and his extended family of nephews, nieces, great-nieces, and cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents; his brother-in-law, Elliot Goldberg; and his sister-in-law, Judith Smith.
Phil was a steadfast husband and father who provided great love and support for his family, along with contributing decades of service as a teacher, referee, and umpire. He had a lifelong passion for sports, as an athlete, official, and a fan.
After receiving a tennis scholarship to Rider University in Lawrence Township, NJ, where he also excelled in basketball, and eventually transferring to Trenton State College, Phil went on to work for the New Jersey Department of Corrections and New Jersey Department of Juvenile Justice. As a math teacher at the Skillman Training School for Boys in Montgomery Township, NJ and Juvenile Medium Security Facility in Bordentown, NJ, he dedicated himself to being a figure of respect amongst the youth and staff, exhibiting a level of attention, care, and tough love which held him in great regard.
His approach to fairness and flexibility was even more specifically crafted during his 50 years as a referee and umpire in Mercer County, NJ. Becoming a certified referee in 1970 as part of IAABO Board 193, Phil went on to officiate thousands of games throughout Mercer County high schools and beyond – including marquee matchups in the prestigious PrimeTime Shootout tournament featuring LeBron James, Trevor Ariza, Carmelo Anthony, and Dwight Howard, amongst others. For his excellence in officiating, he was inducted into the USSSA NJ Hall of Fame in 1998 (Softball), the Trenton Softball Hall of Fame in 2009, and the Mercer County Basketball Hall of Fame in April 2026.
“Firm, fair, and consistent,” were the qualities with which he expressed having the deepest connection to, and he also extended those to his role as a parent. His great loves of the Boston Red Sox, Philadelphia Phillies, Philadelphia Eagles, and Boston Celtics, along with Wildwood Crest beach time & driveway tanning in the sun, watching The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, listening to doo-wop and oldies songs, doing crossword puzzles, and enjoying his favorite meals out at restaurants were shared amongst the whole family.
He will be sincerely missed by all who knew his kind heart, his supportive attitude, his joyous laugh, and his respected work ethic. Rest in peace, Phil; Rest in peace, Dad – may your memory be a blessing for us always.
Funeral services are at Friday, June 19th at 11 am at Orland’s Ewing Memorial Chapel, 1534 Pennington Road, Ewing, NJ. Interment is private.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to the AARP Foundation (www.aarp.org/aarp-foundation/) or your favorite charity in remembrance of Phil.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of Phillip’s family and friends from all of us at the Trenton Softball Hall of Fame. Phillip was inducted into the Trenton Softball Hall of Fame in 2009 under our Umpire Division. He will always remain on that list and will surely be missed by all that knew him. God Bless
John O’Hara
President
Trenton Softball Hall of Fame
I got to know Phil pretty well when I was coaching Pennington basketball in the 70s and 80s. He was a class act both on and off the court! I was glad to be able to call him my friend!
I am so sorry for your loss. He was a great guy! We have so many good memories . Ruth and family, please know you are in my thoughts.
We knew Phil a very long time. He will be sorely.missed. Our love and sincere condolences to the family. With love and deepest sympathy, Jonathan and Patricia Johnson.
My deepest sympathies to Phil’s family.
I will miss Phil very much. Phil has been my friend for many years and I cherish the time we were able to spend with each other.
Our many breakfasts together were a time when we could discuss anything on our minds, including politics, finances, family, and sports. I was always impressed by Phil’s knowledge of sports and especially how he understood the rules of each sport.
Rest in peace good buddy, and thanks for all the good memories.