Wade W. Smith 1951-2024

He was born in Youngstown, the son of Wade W. and Mary Virginia McCrone Smith, on May 3, 1951.

Wade graduated from Boardman High School in 1969. He graduated from Youngstown State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice in 1973. In 1976, he graduated from Kent State University, where he earned a Master of Arts degree in corrections. Wade earned his Juris Doctor degree in 1981 from the University of Akron Law School.

After his graduation from YSU, Wade became a probation officer for the Mahoning County Juvenile Court from 1973 to 1978 and chief probation officer from 1978 to 1982.

In 1981, he became a full-time practicing attorney in general practice of law. He was a member of the Ohio Bar Association and the Mahoning County Bar Association, where he served as a member and chairperson of the membership committee. In addition to his practice, Wade served as assistant Mahoning County prosecutor assigned to the children services board. He was also an instructor at YSU in the department of criminal justice and at KSU in the department of corrections.

Wade was an active member of the former Bethlehem Lutheran Church, where he served as member and president of church council.

Wade is survived by his wife, the former Nancy DeCola, whom he married March 22, 1974; a son, Ryan; daughter-in-law, Leta; and grandsons, Arlo and Charlie, all of Fort Myers, Florida.

Calling hours will be held 2 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, March 24, 2024, at the Fox Funeral Home, 4700 Market St., Boardman.

A funeral service will be held at noon Monday, March 25, 2024, at the funeral home.

Private interment will be in Forest Lawn Cemetery.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, those who would like to honor Wade’s memory consider donating to the Alzheimer’s Association of Ohio, 4815 Munson St. NW, Canton, OH 44718, www.alz.org; or to Sanctuary Hospice, 6715 Tippecanoe Road, Suite B-101, Canfield, OH 44406.

Wade’s family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Aventura at Assumption Village, especially to those of the special care unit and the therapy department, for their professional and compassionate care of Wade.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Edward J. Fox & Sons Funeral Home, 4700 Market St., Boardman.

Family and friends of Wade may visit www.foxfuneralhome.org to view this obituary and to leave condolences for the Smith family.

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