G. Guy Smith

G. Guy Smith, a pillar of the Swarthmore community and a distinguished local attorney, passed away peacefully on April 18, 2026, surrounded by family, just two weeks after celebrating his 83rd birthday.

Born in Grace Park, Ridley Township, Guy moved to Swarthmore in the 8th grade, and made many lifelong friends at Swarthmore High School. He graduated from the University of Delaware, and went on to earn his Juris Doctor from Villanova Law School in 1965.

Motivated by the loss of a close friend in Vietnam, Guy served in the Civil Affairs Unit of the National Guard. Upon his return, he was admitted to the Delaware County Bar, eventually co-founding the firm Harris and Smith. A trial lawyer most at home in front of a jury, Guy specialized in criminal law and handled hundreds of cases, including many capital murders. Recently he was delighted to collaborate with author John Grisham on a case featured in Grisham’s latest book.

Beyond the courtroom, Guy acted as a mentor to those in trouble, famously giving clients a silver dollar as a token of their mutual commitment to a second chance. He served as the Solicitor for the Borough of Rutledge and for Rose Valley for 37 years, and was an Honorary Life Member of the Swarthmore Fire and Protective Association, to which he provided pro bono counsel for decades.

Guy dedicated over half a century of service to the Borough of Swarthmore. Beginning as Assistant Borough Solicitor in 1972—where he famously began codifying ordinances originally kept on scraps of paper—he served as Solicitor until his election as Mayor in 1990. As Mayor, he was a fixture of town life, recognizable in his red Corvette or wearing his signature top hat for Arbor Day at SRS. His legacy is etched into the town’s infrastructure through his creation of the first Pennsylvania Municipal Borrowing Authority and as co-founder of the Swarthmore Centennial Foundation. He was instrumental in the installation of the Town Clock and the creation of the Borough Hall amphitheater. Guy was honored to be named Man of the Year by both the Swarthmore Lions Club and the Swarthmore Rotary Club, who also named him a Paul Harris Fellow.

While his professional life was storied, Guy’s greatest joy was his family and "Family of the Heart”, spending time with them in the Pennsylvania mountains, Skaneatelles, NY, Nantucket and Los Cabos Mexico. He loved getting involved in the Swarthmore Recreation Association as a coach, and was a devoted fan at his children’s sporting and performance events. He treasured the opportunity to ride his motorcycle to Washington DC to participate in the Rolling Thunder “Ride for Freedom” to raise awareness for veterans and POW/MIA service members.

Guy is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Susanne; his children, Megan, Elizabeth, and Christopher; his daughter-in-law, Shanon; and his adored grandchildren, Fiona, Cooper, and Elle. He is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Brenda and David Haverstick; his brother-in-law, Joe Matey; and his niece and nephew, Jody and Chad Matey. He was predeceased by his cherished sister, Ellen.

The family would appreciate you sharing your memories of Guy, please feel free to send them to gguymemories@gmail.com. True to his spirit, a Celebration of Life featuring his favorite music and food will be held at Swarthmore Presbyterian Church at 2 pm on May 16. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Swarthmore Centennial Foundation.