In Remembrance of Monroe R. Smith

Monroe R. Smith, 95, died on Friday. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marge Burton Smith.

He was born in Scranton on March 13, 1917, to the late Simon and Rose Solomon Smith. He was a longtime member of Temple Hesed. Monroe moved to Venice, Fla., in 2009, but his heart always belonged to Scranton. He owned and operated the IRO Co. of Scranton for more than 30 years. He was also well-known for his involvement in local politics, acting as the finance chairman for a number of local campaigns, including that of County Commissioners Luger and Pettinato. He was on the board of the Lackawanna County Commission on Drug and Alcohol Abuse and the Scranton Parking Authority. He served in the Army during World War II. He was stationed in North Carolina, recruiting women for the Women's Army Corps. His PR work included the successful slogan, "I would rather be with them than waiting."

Monroe was well loved by his family and friends. He had a wonderful sense of humor and he continued to make people laugh, even in his final days.

He is survived by five children, Simon Smith, Doylestown; Geraldine Del Torto and husband, Tom, Rotonda West, Fla.; Melanie Smith, New Hope; Sharon Asch and husband, Bruce, Englewood, Fla.; and Patricia Jennings, Peckville; 10 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

He was also preceded in death by a daughter, Roseann Alperin; three sisters, Edith Leventhal, Ruth Shapiro Dickstein and Miriam Newman; and his friend and companion, Elaine Levy.

There will be a graveside service on Tuesday at 11 a.m. at Temple Hesed Cemetery in Dunmore, by Rabbi Daniel Swartz. The family will observe shiva on Tuesday from 7 to 9 p.m. and Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at Elan Gardens, Venard Road, Clarks Summit.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Roseann Smith Alperin Fund, Temple Hesed or Tidewell Hospice, Philanthropy Dept., 5955 Rand Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34238.