Walter Smedley, a Philadelphian and Quaker, died March 2, 2010, at Penncrest Farm near Media, Pa., the home where he was born.
Walt prepped at the Haverford School. At Princeton he played on the varsity soccer team and ate at Cloister Inn. Walter majored in chemical engineering and graduated with honors.
After graduation, Walt spent two and a half years at the U.S. Naval Academy as an instructor in naval engineering. At the end of World War II he was separated as a lieutenant junior grade.
Walter went to work for Dravo Corp., a shipbuilding concern that had pioneered the LST. He then became a manufacturer’s representative to the shipbuilding industry. His professional skills were recognized when he was chosen as president of the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers.
Walter and his family sailed for years out of Little Egg Harbor (N.J.) Yacht Club, where he won a reputation as a formidable racing contestant in small boats.
In 1999, Walt was the leading spirit in organizing the class mini-reunion in Philadelphia. His genial presence and organizing ability made the reunion an outstanding success.
Walter is survived by his wife, Mary Jane; his children, Walter III ’66, Stephanie Scango, and Sarah Smedley; two grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. To them, the class sends its sympathy.