Chester M. Smith Jr.

Chester M. Smith Jr., 85, of Pine Grove Mills, passed away on Friday, December 4, 2020 at Windy Hill Village, Philipsburg.

Born on September 8, 1935 in Randolph, Vermont to Chester and Eva (Brown) Smith. On August 30, 1958 he married Joan E. Krupski, who survives at home.

Chester received his bachelor degree in geology at the University of Vermont in 1957. He earned a master’s degree in mineralogy and petrology at Penn State University in 1959 and a doctoral degree in that field in 1964.

While pursuing his postgraduate degrees Chester pioneered the use of the sole Penn State computer at the time for research computations. He served in the U.S. Army from 1962-1963 and used computer programs to track military parts. His knowledge of computer science would earn him an assistant professorship in that field in 1967. In 1982, he was the first person on the University Park campus to own an IBM personal computer. His expertise in computer science would eventually span a 37 year career at Penn State University. He was also active with continuing education for both the University and High School. For over two decades Chester provided computer analysis programs for the Penn State football team that predict outcomes and provide data on both the team’s plays and those of its opponents. He authored or co-authored several handouts, papers and books about subjects that include computing, geology, philately, genealogy, and local and state history. In addition to his expertise in these fields, Chester had a broad foundation of seemingly any topic. He had an uncanny ability to converse intelligently and thoughtfully about almost any subject.

Chester was an avid supporter of Penn State athletics. He was a diehard football fan and particularly enjoyed attending both men’s and women’s basketball games. At home his pastimes included studying postal history, stamp collecting, tinkering with vintage Volkswagen Beetle’s, and walking his dog Emma, whom he adored. He was a loving father to his children and a committed husband to his wife. He was a sentimental man, very devoted to the happiness of his family, and provided selflessly for them.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Joan; two children: Kelly Harpster and her husband, Lewis of Landisville Pennsylvania; Matthew Smith and his wife, Stephanie of Port Matilda, Pennsylvania; one granddaughter, Victoria Smith.

Along with his parents Chester is preceded in death by two brothers Wendell Smith and Robert Smith and one sister Margaret Rooney. Services will be at the convenience of the family. Arrangements have been entrusted to Mark D. Heintzelman Funeral & Cremation Services, P.C., 1034 Benner Pike, State College, Pa 16801.