Obituary of Robert D. Smith

Mr. Robert D. Smith, 95, of West Galway, NY, passed away on Friday, November 18, 2022. Born in Amsterdam, NY on March 2, 1927 he was the son of the late Leon and Ida Mae Gerling Smith.

A lifelong area resident, Bob graduated from the former Wilbur H. Lynch High School in 1944.  He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1945 and served in the Pacific during WWII.  Following the war he returned home, where he worked for General Electric for 42 years, retiring in 1986.

On August 24, 1951 at the Calvary Reformed Church in Hagaman, NY he was united in marriage to Arlyn “Lynn” Johnson Smith. Together they had 4 children.  Bob along with his wife, Lynn owned and operated the Debra Lee Trailer Haven at Sacandaga Lake, Edinburg, NY for 26 years before retiring.  They enjoyed spending winters in Myrtle Beach, S.C. where they made many friends. 

Lynn predeceased Bob on May 14, 2022 after 71 years of marriage.  He was also predeceased by their daughter, Debra Lee in 1954; their great granddaughter, Mia Groat; and his siblings, Leon R. Smith and Mildred Adamkoski.

Survivors include his daughter, Michele L. Rogers and her husband John Chiccino of West Galway, NY, NY, Timothy R. Smith and his wife Michelle of West Galway, NY and Thomas L. Smith of Broadalbin, NY.    Grandchildren, Justin Rogers and his wife Donna, Jeremy Rogers, Jessica Groat and her husband Matthew, Michael Smith and his wife Courtney, Jesse Smith, and Kurt Smith.  Great-Grandchildren, Tyler and Alexis Rogers, Caleb Groat, Amolia Smith. One great-great-grandson, Tyler Rogers Jr. Godchildren, Barbara Hartz and her husband Bruce, Richard Harris and his wife Lynn and Donna Gimbrone and her husband Chris. Many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral services will be conducted on Tuesday, November 22, 2022 at 6p.m. at the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam.   Relatives and friends are invited any may call prior to the service beginning at 4p.m.

Burial will take place in the spring in Hagaman Mills Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to the Calvary Reformed Church, PO Box 548, Hagaman, NY 12086 or Mountain Valley Hospice, 108 Steele Ave, Gloversville, NY 12078.   Please visit the online memorial at www.brbsfuneral.com