Rev. Russell E. Smith

Deceased: 2024-03-05

Diocese: RICHMOND

CSM Graduation Year: 1987

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On March 5th, 2024, the Reverend Russell Edward Smith entered into his final rest. Rusty, as he was called by everyone, was born to Frank Ernest Smith and Mildred Blanche Sweeny Smith on March 3rd, 1954, in the old Bell Hospital, Williamsburg, Virginia. In his earliest days he attended Matthew Whaley Elementary School and then continued his upper-level grade schooling at Walsingham Academy, (Sisters of Mercy of Merion,) for the period of grades 7 through 12. In preparation for the Priesthood, he attended Duns Scotus College, Southfield Michigan. Upon completion of his studies at Duns Scotus, he continued his education with Catholic University, Washington D.C. to be awarded a Master of Divinity, (STM.) Having finished his studies at Catholic University, he took his interests further to Rome with the completion of a Doctorate in Sacred Theology (S.T.D.) with Pontificia Universitas Lateranensis. Academia Alfonsiana, Rome. Returning from Rome Rusty did some time with the Catholic Diocese of Richmond then took a post with the Archdiocese of Boston as Moral Theologian. He then went back to Richmond, and then to Saint Louis functioning each time in the same capacity until he finally returned to The Diocese of Richmond as both Moral Theologian and Parish Priest. He functioned as Moral Theologian to the Virginia Commonwealth University’s Health Care System.

He is survived by a number of cousins in the greater Williamsburg area. He retired early because of medical reasons and maintained his residence in Toano, Virginia.