Obituary

Smith, David Paul, 79, Johnstown, passed away October 21, 2025. Born August 22,1946, to the late Charles and Betty (Burkhart) Smith.

Dave was surrounded by women in his family throughout his life and is survived by his wife, Elaine; three daughters, Jennifer, Johannah, and Julianne; and two granddaughters, Arya and Aurora.

He is also much missed by his cats: Sneezer, Smokey Joe, and Cooper.

A history graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, he oozed facts out of every pore in every conversation, with a special love for alternate history and the Civil War. He was thrilled to have sons-in-laws, Justin and Joshua, who finally appreciated his wealth of knowledge.

Having worked in several customer service positions in Johnstown throughout his lifetime, he seemed to know someone everywhere he went. When they were younger, his daughters used to dread outings with him because he stopped to talk to everyone. But they also loved playing a game where he would hoist them over his shoulders from the back of the couch in a game called “Ooof.” And his girls relished when they could finally beat him running races across the yard.

He did not own apparel that was not black, gold, or emblazoned with Pittsburgh Steelers logos. He never missed a game, and taught his daughters and granddaughters the phrase, “Touchdown, Steelers!” from an early age. In recent years he would watch the game from the comfort of his chair while he texted with his two football-loving daughters throughout the game, always exclaiming, “Woot!” for a Steelers touchdown. At the end of every game, as a way of saying goodnight, he would ask his girls to, “Say goodnight, Pop.”

So now we say for one final time, “Goodnight, Pop.”

At Dave’s request there will be no viewing or service at this time. Arrangements in care of Hindman Funeral Homes & Crematory Inc., “Exclusive Provider of Veterans and Family Memorial Care.” Condolences may be made at HindmanFuneralHomes.com.