Stephen Tripp Smith Sr.

Stephen Tripp Smith, Sr passed away at age 93 on March 15, 2024. He was born in New Bedford, MA on September 12, 1930, raised in Mattapoisett, MA and graduated from Fairhaven High School in 1947. After receiving his Bachelors degree from Brown University in 1951, Steve enlisted in the US Army and was selected for Officer’s Candidate School where he was commissioned Second Lieutenant in Anti-Aircraft Artillery branch. After serving at Camp Stewart, GA, his unit relocated to Fort MacArthur, CA where they continued to train soldiers for the coastal defense mission. Married in 1953 to his loving wife, Betsy, Steve was discharged from Active Duty in 1954, and they traveled across the country before enrolling at Harvard University, where he earned his Masters Degree in Mathematics and Education. Steve and Betsy moved to Moorestown in 1956 when he started teaching at Moorestown Junior High and later Moorestown High School. He taught Mathematics, Computer Science, and Data Processing for 30 years, and automated and ran the computer system for the school district. Steve also served as Moorestown Education Association president, and coached Cross Country, Track and Field, and Swimming teams during his tenure. Steve also remained active in the Army Reserves, retiring as Lieutenant Colonel after 30 years of service. In 1985, he retired from teaching with 30 years of service and opened the House on the Hill Ice Cream Parlor and Restaurant, which he and Betsy operated until 1990. Steve was also very active in many community organizations and activities. He served the Boy Scouts in many leadership positions, ranging from Scoutmaster of Troop 44, to District Committee, to President of Burlington County Council, and many years on the council Executive Board. He joined the Moorestown Rotary Club, was elected President and organized the Adventure Travel film series and many Pancake Breakfasts. He also served as Bookkeeper for Moorestown Ecumenical Neighborhood Development (MEND) and Camden Lutheran Housing. In recognition of his many years of dedicated service, Steve was honored as Moorestown’s Citizen of the Year in 2006. Steve was active at First Presbyterian Church of Moorestown, with adult groups, Strawberry Festival and Head Usher for many years. Steve and Betsy also were avid square dancers and cloggers and made friends wherever they went. They instilled a love of travel, especially with family, and took many enjoyable trips near and far. After Betsy’s tragic death in 2012, Steve moved to the Evergreens in Moorestown and once again entrenched himself in the community, becoming active in all phases of life there. He joined the chorus, acted in plays, participated in many social activities, and was elected to the Resident’s Council where he served as Treasurer and Board President. Steve was preceded in death by his loving wife of nearly 59 years, Betsy, and parents William A. and Cora B. (Tripp) Smith. He is survived by three sons and daughters-in-law, Bob (Kathy) of Marlton, Brian (Debra) of Tolland CT, and Stephen Jr (Suzanne) of Tabernacle. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, sister-in-law Louise, and several cousins, nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to First Presbyterian Church of Moorestown, 101 Bridgeboro Rd, Moorestown, NJ 08057.

Stephen Tripp Smith Sr.

September 12, 1930 - March 15, 2024