Bernard J. Smith

Bernard J. Smith, of Carlisle, died Saturday, April 29, 2023, at his home surrounded by his family. He was 72 and husband of almost 50 years to Carol A. (Leventry) Smith.

Born in Johnstown, PA he was the son of the late John and Nora (Nelligan) Smith.

Bernie proudly served in the US Army during the Vietnam War, serving as an Army Nurse stationed in Heidelberg, Germany.

Bernie and Carols settled in Carlisle to raise their family and open the Hairsmiths Barbershop, where they worked side by side for over 40 years. The couple were also “parking pioneers,” being the first family to part cars in their yard during car show events- helping their children learn the value of hard work and self-employment!

Bernie lived life with enthusiasm. So much so that he was lovingly referred to as bull in a pottery shop. He loved taking on do-it-yourself projects for his family and friends. He was always there to lend a hand and get the job done.

Bernie was also a fan of the outdoors. He loved camping, lazily floating down the creek taking in the scenery and giving tractor rides to his grandchildren. He especially loved building epic bonfires, ones you could see from space.

Bernie volunteered much of his time to the community. He taught adults to read, assisted with Meals On Wheels, raised money for solar power generators in Ukraine and supported the Democratic Party. Recently, he even did a 5k walk for the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. He was gutsy and always willing to go the extra mile for his fellow neighbor.

Bernie was a fantastic automobile valet. With the help of Carol and his daughters, he would methodically park patron’s vehicles in their back yard during the Carlisle Car Shows with speed & precision. It was his true medium, a master.

Bernie was a true sports fan, always rooting for the underdog. He loved watching his beloved Steelers, Pirates and Penguins, attending Carlisle High School basketball games during the state championship years and eagerly rooting for his grandchildren on the field, court and track. He was a great athletic supporter.

But Bernie’s greatest passion was simply just spending time with his family. And he welcomed friends as his family. It didn’t matter where it was, the woods, the beach, the backyard, poolside, Grandpaland, sporting events or at the dinner table, as long as his family was there, all was right with the world.

In addition to his wife, Bernie is survived by his daughters: Jennifer Waleski (Mike), Erin Markan (Denis); his six grandchildren: Ethan Waleski, Sarah Waleski, Norah Waleski and Charlotte Waleski, Alexander Markan, and William Bernard Markan; his sister and brothers: Bernadette McMahon, John Smith and Vincent Smith, many nieces and nephews and his dog: Mellow.

Bernie was preceded in death by his sisters: Elizabeth McMillen and Sheriden Melich, his niece: Nora and nephew: Carl.

Relatives and friends are invited to celebrate his life on Sunday, May 7, 2023, from 1-3pm, at Hoffman Funeral Home & Crematory, 2020 West Trindle Road, Carlisle. A short service will follow at 3 PM. Interment will be help in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery on Monday May 8, 2023, at 2 PM. In lieu of flowers, Vote Blue.