Obituary of Elwin C. Smith

Elwin ?Smitty? C. Smith, 82, formerly of Belfance Road, Amsterdam, passed away on Friday morning at the Edward L. Wilkinson Residential Healthcare Facility after being a resident since December 2, 2006. He previously resided at the Park Hill Adult Home for 19 months. Born May 22, 1924 in Scotch Bush, New York, he was the son of the late Sidney and Olive Campbell Smith. He attended the Wilbur H. Lynch High School and was a life long resident. Smitty was a U.S. Navy Veteran of WWII and was ranked a Machinist Mate 2nd Class. He served in four battles and campaigns, invasion of Normandy, South France, Iowa Jima, and Okinawa. He received 2 stars for the European- African Campaign, 2 stars for the Asiatic- Pacific Theatre and the Philippine Liberation Medal. Smitty was first employed by the 1st American Locomotive in Schenectady and later worked as a carpenter and welder for the United Brothers of Carpenters Union Local # 370 in Albany for 32 years until retiring in 1985. He was an avid golfer, liked horses, loved to garden flowers and vegetables. He was a member of the Bigelow Weavers Association. On July 26, 1967 he married the former Jane Belfance DeForest, who died May 6, 2006. Survivors include, a step-son, Scott W. DeForest of Amsterdam; 2 step-daughters, Beth S. Tucci of Simi Valley, California and Lynn B. Jim Vosko of Amsterdam; a brother, Harold E. Smith of New Jersey; 5 step-grandchildren, Anitra Tucci, Amber Vosko, Jimmy Vosko Jr., Jenean Tucci and Seth Vosko; several nieces nephews and cousins also survive. He was predeceased by two brothers; Sidney N. and Edger Smith, one sister, Norma Oarr. Funeral services will be private and will be held at the convenience of the family at the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam, New York. Interment will take place in Fairview Cemetery. Calling hours will be private. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Smitty?s memory to the Park Hill Adult Home, 52 Grove Street, Amsterdam, New York 12010.