Ricardo E Smith Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Ricardo Eugene Smith passed on to Glory on Wednesday, July 28, 2021 surrounded by his loving family. Ricardo Smith was born in Hazelwood section of Pittsburgh, PA to the late Pete Eugene Smith and Matelon Irma DuPree; he had seven siblings and was raised by his grandmother, Sarah Ann Bennett Bush. He graduated from Gladstone High School in 1972 and went on to study religion at Wiley College, a private, historically black, liberal arts college in Marshall, Texas. Wiley is one of the oldest predominantly black colleges west of the Mississippi River. After a year, he determined religious studies was not his path. Later, he enrolled in Rosedale Technical College, and graduated with an associate’s degree in automotive technology in 1987. Ricardo had many talents and passions; he competed as an amateur kickboxer, had a black belt in Karate and a certificate in photography. He also loved to cook delicious and inventive meal, but he would use every pot and dish in the kitchen. Ricardo married Lula “Candy” Marie Black on January 9, 1975. They had two daughters: Monique Tamil Smith and Autumn Capri Smith. Ricardo always ensured that his daughters took pride in their African American culture. Living in a country that systemically implied being Black was bad, he ensured that his daughters knew that Black is beautiful. He taught his daughters that they were amazing and magical, before “black girl magic” ever trended. He was well versed in African American History and an admirer of Marcus Garvey, Malcom X and Jimmy Hendrix. Ricardo enlisted in the United States Army in 1988 at the age of 33, although it is quite unusual to enter the Military at such an advanced age, he completed basic training and joined the 128 Military Intelligence Battalion, he received an honorable discharge in 1995. Ricardo had many jobs to support his family, but he was most proud of his last career as a mechanic for Allegheny County Port Authority, he retired from Port Authority in 2017. Ricardo had a great sense of humor and could be found playing practical jokes on his family and friends, had a customize license plate with “Slick Rick and Cotton Candy” and taught his daughters how to burp words, much to their mother’s chagrin. In 1994, the first of seven grandchildren were born, and he went on to love and support them all, teaching them the same important lessons and silliness he imparted to his daughters. He started calling his first grandchild, Jabria Lewis, Dudi and somehow, he became known as Dudi as well. Ricardo was preceded in death by his mother and father; sisters, Norma Smith and L. Janeen Dorsey; brothers, Hyman Germany, Jr., Ronald Germany and Abraham Germany. Ricardo leaves to cherish his memory: wife, Lula Smith; two daughters, Monique and Autumn Smith; a nephew who was like a son, Timothy Black; two siblings, Dolores Jefferson and David DuPree; sister in-law, Anne Germany; seven grandchildren, Jabria Lewis, Antonie Smith, Christopher Davis, Capri Davis, Gabriel Smith and Pierre Smith; eight nieces: Marcy Smith, Cheryl German, Dene Charles, Michelle Uzoka, Angela Vaca, Nicole Dorsey and Darrian DuPree; as well as a host of other family members and friends. Ricardo will be greatly missed by all who were blessed to know him. His family is thankful for their time spent with him and that he is now at peace.

Tributes

Ricardo E Smith

May 15, 1954 - July 28, 2021