Jess Richard Smith, 45, of Mount Aetna, PA, died on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026.
Born in Lebanon, PA, on June 29, 1980, he was a son of Marlisa K. (Wetzel) Smith, of Mount Aetna, and the late Tracy W. Smith. A 1998 graduate of ELCO High School, Jess received his master’s degree from SCI Fayette. He served in the U.S. Army. Jess was employed at Unique Snacks, Reading, and previously at Covanta as a maintenance mechanic. He enjoyed playing guitar and fixing things.
In addition to his mother, Jess is survived by his son, Austin Weiss; brother, Joshua W. Smith; nieces, Maria, Priscilla, and Valli Smith; significant other, Melanie Indorato; paternal grandmother, Patricia Adams; Donald and Lila Smith; and beloved dog, Hudson. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Richard and Kathryn Wetzel.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 2, 2026, at 12:30 p.m., at Grose Funeral Home, 358 W. Washington Ave., Myerstown, preceded by a viewing beginning at 11:30 a.m. Interment will be at Grand View Memorial Park, Lebanon.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Tri-County Worship Center, P.O. Box 379, Bethel, PA 19507.
