Bruce Smith

David Bruce Smith, 67, of Ellwood City passed away on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh. He was the son of Sandra Bishop Smith and the late David John Smith and was born March 9, 1959, in Ellwood City.

He was survived by his nephews; Vinnie of South Carolina, as well as Tyler and Ryan both of New Brighton, and his sister-in-law; Janet Smith of New Brighton, his aunt; Delores Bishop-Morida of Ellwood City, one uncle; George King Smith and his wife Barbara of Texas; as well as numerous cousins.

He was a 1977 graduate of Riverside High School. He then attended Westminster College. He was the human resource manager for Kaufman’s Department Store. He was also a national accreditation officer. At 14 he began playing the organ at various churches in the area. Bruce had been the Director of Music at Calvin Church since 1982. During that time the program had grown to include musical theater, and special artist concerts and events. Bruce was a professional pianist, and he also directed and performed with other musical groups for a variety of events, specializing in musical theater conducting. Bruce had been the Youth Director at Calvin Church since 1994. During this time, the Calvin Youth Group (CYG) had become active in both regional and national youth events, summer mission trips, and local Presbytery and interdenominational events. The program now includes three distinct age-based groups, covering youth from grades 3 to 12. In addition to his full-time role on the Calvin Church ministry team, he was also a Calvin member and ordained elder. Bruce also directed Seneca Valley’s yearly school musical for over 21 years. One of Bruce’s greatest passions was his mentoring of youth within the church and his community.

He was preceded in death by his brother; Brent Smith.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 2:00pm at Calvin Church in Zelienople located at 415 E. Grandview Avenue in Zelienople with Rev. Dr. Graham Standish, officiating.

Private Interment will be in Wurtemburg Cemetery in Ellwood City.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting memorial donations be made in Bruce’s name to Camp Westminster on Higgins Lake in Roscommon, MI. Donations can be made by mail to: Westminster Church of Detroit 17567 Hubble Ave. or you can give online at www.campwestmister.com Or the Victor Wooten Center for Music and Nature at https://www.vixcamps.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the TURNER-HYDE FUNERAL HOME located at 6th and Park in Ellwood City.