Luther Von Smith III

Luther Smith III, affectionately known as "Smitty," was born on September 25, 1955, at Montefiore Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Luther Von Smith Jr. and Priscilla Mae Smith. He was raised in Pittsburgh, where his life became deeply woven into the fabric of family, faith, craftsmanship, and community. Luther was preceded in death by his father, Luther Von Smith Jr., who passed in 2016. He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved mother, Priscilla Mae Smith, and his siblings and family members: Terry Anthony Smith, Earlean Shirletta Smith, Tyra Shon'te Smith, Teheira Marie Smith, Teah Shirletta Smith, Douglas Tervon Smith, Terry Anthonette Smith II, Tunisia Mone'y Smith, and Terry Anthony Smith Jr. He is also lovingly remembered by twelve great-nieces, seven great-nephews, and one great-great niece, all of whom were part of his extended legacy. Luther, like his father-also known as "Smitty"-was musically gifted. As a child, he played the violin, and later mastered the guitar, carrying forward a musical tradition rooted in family and joy. He was baptized and spent his formative years grounded in church, nurtured by the faith, love, and guidance of both his mother and father. He attended Philip Murray Elementary School, Knoxville Middle School, and Carrick High School, where he distinguished himself as an athlete. Luther played on the Carrick High School football team and was also a talented baseball player. His athletic abilities drew attention beyond Pittsburgh-he received letters from the Cleveland Indians and the Toronto Blue Jays, inviting him to play professionally. Though he later reflected with some regret on not pursuing baseball, he chose instead to work at the steel mill, which at the time provided strong wages and stability. Long before the era of The Fast and the Furious, Luther was known for his love of cars and racing. He famously raced his Chevelle SS (Super Sport) during late evenings at the East Hills Shopping Center, a pastime that became part of local lore among friends and fellow racers. Luther went on to build a respected and lasting career as a master plumber, earning membership in Local Union 27 and Local Union 322. His skilled hands contributed to major infrastructure projects, including the construction of Pittsburgh's East Busway. His work took him beyond Pennsylvania-he worked as a plumber in Manassas, Virginia, and later in Atlantic City, where he was employed at the Merv Griffin Casino and Resort. During his time in Atlantic City, he continued playing baseball with a local team, earning recognition in the local newspapers, and eventually operated his own plumbing business. Among his most meaningful personal projects was building an entire bathroom for his late grandfather, Eldridge Milston Davis Sr., at the family home on Monticello Street in Homewood-a lasting testament to his love, skill, and devotion to family. Above all else, Luther Smith III was known for his kindness, gentle spirit, and easygoing nature. He was truly "Mr. Popularity"-well known, widely respected, and deeply loved. His presence brought warmth, laughter, and calm wherever he went, and his absence leaves a space that cannot be filled. Luther's life was one of quiet excellence, deep humanity, and enduring impact. His legacy lives on through the many lives he touched, the family he loved, and the work he left behind. Professional services entrusted to D'Alessandro Funeral Home & Crematory Ltd; 4522 Butler Street Pittsburgh, PA, 15201 www.dalessandroltd.com.

Luther Von Smith III

September 25, 1955 - February 26, 2026