David M. Smith, educator and consultant

Posted 6/21/11

David Matthew Smith, 60, of Mt. Airy, an organizational development consultant, died June 16 of cancer at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Mr. Smith was the principal of David Smith …

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David M. Smith, educator and consultant

Posted

David Matthew Smith, 60, of Mt. Airy, an organizational development consultant, died June 16 of cancer at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.

Mr. Smith was the principal of David Smith Associates, a leadership and organizational development consulting firm specializing in global organizations. He was also a consultant at Critical Business Solutions and managing director and senior consultant at the Teleos Leadership Institute.

Earlier he was director of organization and staff development at the Albert Einstein Healthcare Network, director of professional development at the University of Pennsylvania, and manager of employment at the Federal Reserve Bank.

He also served on the faculties of the University of Pennsylvania, Drexel University and Arcadia University.

His work as an organizational development consultant in the United States and abroad led him to form enduring friendships in this country and in Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.  He sought challenges, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, hiking through the Himalayas, and running in numerous marathons.

During his illness, he continued to inspire those around him with his grace and courage while adjusting to paralysis in the midst of fighting cancer.

Born in Worcester, Mass., he graduated from Auburn High School where he was captain of the basketball, cross country, and track teams and student council president. He earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Harvard University, a master’s degree in educational media from Temple University and a doctorate in education from the University of Pennsylvania.

He is survived by his wife, Wanda Whitted-Smith; daughters Sage Hobbs and Chloe; a son, Luke; parents, Matthew and Adele Smith, of Charlton, Mass.; sisters Carolyn Smith, of Little Hocking, Ohio, Melinda Hannan, Susan Smith-Scott and Judith Maruca, all of Charlton, Mass.; brothers Daniel, of Auburn, Mass., and Stephen, of New Milford, Conn., and one grandson.

A celebration of Mr. Smith’s life will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 22, at the Bringhurst Funeral Home, 215 Belmont Avenue, Bala Cynwyd. Relatives and friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m. prior to the celebration. On Thursday, July 23, a viewing will be held from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. followed by a service at 11 a.m. at White Rock Baptist Church, 5240 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19139.

Memorial contributions may be made to Team David, P.O. Box 582, Charlton, MA 01507 or online at http://www.teamdavecourage.bbnow.org. – WF

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