Richard R. Smith

Richard Raymond Smith, 79, formerly of Bemidji, Minnesota died February 28, 2025 at John Hopkins Hospital. He was born June 15th, 1945 in Bemidji. He married Cindy Smith on December 28, 1989.

He is survived by six children; Heather (Marvin) Nowell (Texas); Cristen (Don) Cornell (Minnesota); Troy (Melanie) Smith (New York); Mark Smith (Missouri); Ben Smith (Maryland); and Gilbert (Jennifer) Luna (California), 16 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

He is predeceased by his beloved wife Cindy Smith, son, Steven E. Swihart; and sisters Helen, Charlotte and brother Duane.

First, Rick (Richard) was a Dad and Grandpa. Secondly, he was a Military veteran (Army) and a Defense Investigator. He previously lived in Turkey, Italy, California, Missouri, Illinois, Virginia and Minnesota.

Rick was a perfect match to Cindy. He was the quiet listener, the person who asked a question or two but let everyone talk while he absorbed and would follow up with “Wonderful, Great or Interesting”. He was a one word answer but that word carried clout and meaning. He was dignified and shied away from the limelight - he was the perfect fit with Cindy and it is hard to separate the two. He was all about his grandkids, he loved to spend time with them and probably the thing he enjoyed most in life especially after Cindy passed in 2020. He loved and gave his heart to his family. If you loved something he loved something, if anyone asked what he loved or wanted it was “I want to do what you want to do”. Whether you were by blood, adoption or given the title of family he treated everyone with love and kindness and considered you his family (Jen/Andy yes you were like family too). 

He was proud of his military service and his time with the government. He solved many cases during his time in the government and helped prosecute cases that led to millions in fines and prosecutions that put fraudsters in prison. He led a talented team and would sometimes have to do press conferences and take the stand during trials. He didn’t love that part of the job and anyone who knew him saw that - he loved the work but again not the limelight. 

He loved the water and always wanted a large boat. He built the perfect house for he and Cindy in Pasadena on the bay. Doing much of the labor on the inside himself until he was diagnosed with Parkinsons. The boat never came to be but he would sit and watch the boats and views. He loved to collect light houses and had he gotten that large boat I’m sure he would have visited them often. 

Relatives and friends are invited to visit at the family owned and operated MCCULLY POLYNIAK & COLLINS FUNERAL HOME, P.A. 3204 Mountain Road PASADENA on Sunday, March 16, 2025, from 3:00 to 5:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 pm. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated in the Our Lady of the Chesapeake Church 8325 Ventnor Road Pasadena on Monday, March 17, 2025, at 11:00 am. Interment Crownsville Veterans Cemetery.