Theodore C. "Ted" Smider

Theodore “Ted” C. Smider, of Washington, Pa, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 14, 2025, at the Washington Hospital. He was 72 years old.

Born on June 6, 1952, in Austin, Texas, Ted was the son of the late Theodore B. Smider and Barbara Dunn Badley, and the stepson of the late William “Bubba” Badley. After a brief residence in Austin and Baltimore, Maryland, Ted moved with his family to Washington, where he lived the rest of his life.

Proud to be a Hiller, he graduated from Trinity High School, Class of 1972. Ted was a talented athlete who excelled in football, track and wrestling. His athletic ability earned him a football scholarship to Duke University. His collegiate journey was cut short after two years due to an injury while playing football.

In the 1970s, Ted owned and operated a leather shop he called Nature’s Bounty, where he tested his creative side and entrepreneurial drive. After several jobs in various industries, Ted finally found great satisfaction at his last workplace, Universal Electric, assembling electrical parts with skill and dedication.

Ted was a history buff and collector. He found joy in reading, attending flea markets and antiquing. He loved road trips, often with no set destination, though the Uniontown Mountains and Deep Creek, MD held a special place in his heart.

He is survived by his wife, Deborah “Debbie” Smider. They married on March 16, 1985. He is also survived by his three daughters: Rachel (Anthony) Brown of Pittsburgh, Laura (Will McDonald) Smider of Washington, and Sarah (fiancé Robert Avila) Pentland of Washington. He leaves behind five grandchildren: Noah Smider, Madison Pentland, Josephine Brown, Nico McDonald and Elijah Brown; his brother Pat Smider, sister Sarah (Roger) Becker and several nieces and nephews.

Ted was preceded in death by his son, Matthew Smider, and brother, Lee Smider, both of whom passed away at young ages. Their memories remained close to his heart throughout his life.

Private arrangements have been made by Ted’s immediate family and are entrusted to William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington.