Donald Smith

Donald R. Smith, 87, our beloved husband, father and friend, was embraced in the arms of his Lord and Savior Jesus on Saturday, January 25, 2014 at Lourdes Hospital. He was predeceased by his sisters, Alberta (Birdie) Bales and Dorothy Elsky. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Beverly and his children, Les (Ann) Smith, Marilynn (Thomas) Tierney, Chris (Ileana) Smith, Theresa (William) Spangenburg, and Diana Smith; 8 grandchildren, James (Kate), David, Kevin, Micah Smith, Ryan (Erika), Kyle, Caitlin Tierney, and Tyler Smith; 3 great grandchildren, Lukas, Graden, and Chase Tierney. He is also survived by his sisters, Faith (Ernie) Woglemuth, Marcia Newhart, Darlynn (Dan) Horner; Brothers-in-law, Howard (Joan) Vandermark, Leon (Mary) Vandermark and Sister-in-law, Charlotte (Edward) Kent and several cousins, nieces and nephews. Don was an Apprentice Seaman in the Navy in 1945. He was then inducted in the Army, for the 102nd Bakery Company in France, serving from September 1950 to August 1952. During that time, he and Beverly married on September 8, 1951 at Our Lady of Sorrows, Vestal, NY. After being Honorably discharged, he briefly worked for Crowley’s in Binghamton. He left there to work for IBM, in Endicott. In 1989, he retired after working 36 years in the Maintenance Dept. He was also a Volunteer Vestal Auxiliary Police Officer for several years. After his retirement, Don pursued his interest in carpentry, teaching himself how to make various things by reading books and watching TV shows. His workshop grew as he purchased new power tools, polishing the new skills he learned. Of all his carpentry projects, he took the greatest pride in an entertainment center he made, saying “it was the best thing I ever made”. Don was also a Ham operator (WB2BBR), building his first radio from a kit, and enjoyed talking to people from all over the world. What brought the most joy to him was having his family around him. Don looked forward to family vacations, at Black Lake, NY. He enjoyed boating (even if it was just sitting in the boat at the dock), fishing, and pulling friends and family around the lake on the surf board and skis. Don was liked by all who met him and loved dearly by those who knew him. He never spoke poorly of anyone and made friends wherever he went. He firmly believed he was put on this earth to serve others. Don always made an effort to point people to Jesus, not only by his words, but in treating all he met with kindness, gentleness, and forgiveness. He was truly an amazing husband, father, friend and mentor to so many people and will be greatly missed by those who loved him. Funeral Services will be held Thursday 10 am from the First Baptist Church of Maine, 16 Church Street, Maine, NY, with the Reverend Ben Winn officiating. Burial will be in Maine Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Allen Memorial Home,511-513 East Main Street, Endicott, Wednesday from 4-7 pm. Expressions of sympathy in his memory may be made to the First Baptist Church of Maine, NY PO Box 189 Maine, NY 13802.