Eric M. Smith, electrical engineer

Eric M. Smith, 62, of Lewes, formerly of Claymont, passed away suddenly Monday, May 13, 2013.

Mr. Smith was currently employed as an electrical engineer for PATS Aircraft in Georgetown. Previously, he worked at Brandywine C.A.D. Design in Wilmington. Prior to that, he had worked for Atlantic Aviation. He was an Air Force veteran of the Vietnam War. Eric was a private pilot and enjoyed flying. He also enjoyed reading electronics magazines.

Mr. Smith was preceded in death by his daughter Melissa; by his parents Laurance and Blanche Smith; and by his brother William “Bill” Smith. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Ann Smith; his brother Laurance “Larry” Smith and his wife Bonnie of Williamsburg, Va.; his sisters: Janet Macricostas and her husband Michael of Newark and Carolyn Joyce and her husband Ed of Lewes; numerous nieces and nephews; and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews. He is also survived by his favorite mother-in-law, Mary Gentile.

A funeral service will be held at noon, Monday, May 20, at Gebhart Funeral Home, 3401 Philadelphia Pike, Claymont. Burial will be in Lawn Croft Cemetery.

Friends may call at the funeral home  Monday morning from 11 a.m. to noon.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), P.O .Box 407, Camden, DE 19934 or to a charity of your choice.