The Honorable Edward G. Smith
The Honorable Edward G. Smith, United States District Judge, died on November 27, 2023. In the passing of Judge Smith, we bid farewell to a man whose quick wit, warm greetings, and enthusiastic handshake were as familiar as his commitment to justice, honor, and service. His genuine curiosity about people, combined with an impeccable sense of politeness, made him not just a respected judge but also a good friend. Colleagues and friends could always count on him for a generous greeting or quick-witted thoughtful remark that lightened the mood in any situation.
Judge Smith leaves behind his beloved wife, Jennifer L. Ireland, his three sons, Michael P. Smith, Benjamin H. Smith, and David M. Smith, his father, Dr. Paul H. Smith, brothers Dr. Paul H. Smith, Jr., David J. Smith, CFP, Dr. Mark S. Smith, and Thomas M. Smith, Esq., his sister, Dr. Karen M. Lounsbury, stepsons Zachery Miller and Luke Miller, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his mother, Ann E. (Rafferty) Smith. His legacy is one of exemplary service and unwavering commitment to justice, both in the courtroom and in his military service as well as in the community at large.
Since 2014, Judge Smith had served as a Federal District Court Judge for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania with courtroom chambers in both Easton and Philadelphia, presiding over numerous cases with impartiality and integrity. A testament to his broad appeal, Judge Smith was nominated by President Barack Obama and confirmed by a Republican majority Senate, showcasing rare bipartisan support in recognition of his legal expertise. Prior to his federal judicial service, Judge Smith served for twelve years as a Pennsylvania state trial judge on the Court of Common Pleas of Northampton County, Pennsylvania. Before that, and after leaving active duty with the U.S. Navy, Judge Advocate General’s Corps, Judge Smith was a partner in private practice with the firm of DeRaymond & Smith in Easton.
In 1984, while still completing his studies at the Dickinson School of Law, Judge Smith was commissioned as an ensign in the United States Navy, Judge Advocate General’s Corps. That commission would begin a 30-year military career combining military service and judicial responsibility. He rose through the ranks to Navy Captain, took command of two separate reserve units, presided as a military judge over Navy and Marine Corps courts-martial at home and abroad, and served as an appellate judge on the Navy-Marine Corps Court of Criminal Appeals. Of particular note, in 2007, he took a temporary leave of absence from the Northampton County bench and forward-deployed to Baghdad, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, where he served as the Rule of Law Advisor to Joint Task Force 134, Multi-National Force-Iraq. He was forever grateful for the understanding of his colleagues, the Bar, and the community during his absence overseas.
His military awards include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with “M” device, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, USCG Special Operations Ribbon, Expert Rifleman Medal, and Expert Pistol Medal.
Judge Smith was a graduate of Easton Area High School. He studied at Franklin and Marshall College and the Dickinson School of Law where he graduated with honors. From there, he went to Naval Justice School where he graduated first in his class.
He spent most of his life and career in Easton, Pennsylvania, and couldn’t understand why anyone would choose to live anywhere else. It was there that he raised his family, served his community and country as a jurist, and ultimately died.
A Memorial Celebration of Life will take place in Courtroom Number 1 in the Northampton County Court House at 669 Washington St, Easton, PA at 5:00pm on December 1, 2023. A Catholic Burial Mass will be held at 10:00am on Saturday, December 2, 2023 at St. Jane Frances Church, 4049 Hartley Ave, Easton, PA. Funeral services are being provided by Finegan Funeral Homes, 4080 William Penn Highway, Easton, PA.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider a donation to either the Boys and Girls Club of Easton at 210 Jones Houston Way, Easton, PA 18042 or Kiwanis Club of Palmer at PO Box 3165, Easton, Pennsylvania, 18045.