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RALPH SMITH Obituary

SMITH--Ralph K. 85, of Locust Valley, NY on August 23. Attorney, beloved partner and father, devoted friend and volunteer, graduated from Sewickley, PA High School in 1942, joined the 63rd Infantry Division of the Army in 1943, receiving a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star. Graduated Dartmouth College in 1948 Phi Beta Kappa, President of Delta Tau Fraternity. At Harvard Law School served as president of the Chancery Club. Partner at Sage Gray Todd and Sims 1951-1986, Townley & Updike 1987-1995, Snow Becker Krauss 1996-2011. Numerous volunteer positions include Trustee/VP of Seamen's Church Institute; Governor, Chairman of Executive Committee Hundred Year Association of New York; Governor of the Creek Club; Trustee Green Vale School. Survivors include longtime partner Faye Argentine of New York, NY; daughter Hillary Goodridge of Boston, MA; son Russell Smith of Mamaroneck, NY; granddaughter Annie Goodridge of Boston, MA; sisters Anne Smith VanderWolk of Pinehurst, NC and Margaret Smith Wenzel, M.D. of Naples, FL; brother Jay Smith of Princeton, NJ; sister-in-law Suzi Smith of Collinsville, CT; former wife Ann K. Smith of Vero Beach FL; thirteen nieces and nephews. Ralph touched so many with his incredible generosity, humor and zest for living. He will be deeply missed by his family, colleagues, clients and many friends. Services private.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by New York Times on Aug. 28, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for RALPH SMITH

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Michael DeMaria

August 22, 2025

Ralph was a gentleman and I remember him at Christmas when I take out his famous Christmas card

Michael demaria

August 22, 2022

You were a gentleman and are remembered

Peter Marshall

September 22, 2011

Dear Hillary and Russell:
Your Dad was a remarkable person, and a good friend for the last 50 years. I shall miss him greatly.

S. Hempstead

September 8, 2011

Dear Hillary,

Your love of your dad was clear to all who know you and love always wins in the end. His love for you abides, as does that of the many who love you and your family. S. Hempstead

September 6, 2011

Dear Hillary and Russell, Your dad was so proud of you both. He was always so upbeat and a remarkable man to the end. We always enjoyed his company. Best , Rich and Jan Hagner

cordelia mccuaig

September 3, 2011

We always were so glad when we could see Ralph--for all sorts of reasons. He was a wonderful friend, and so thoughtful. We also loved the laughs and giggles he always provided us with. He deserves a high place in heaven.
Rest in peace, Ralph. Cordy and Vic McCuaig

Sumaya Smith

August 30, 2011

Dear Russell

Sorrrow is a fleeting emotion,but love is infinite.

Take comfort- those who love will be reunied in eternity. I canot take away your pain,but i can listen if you want to talk about it!

Ivette Smith

August 30, 2011

Dear Hillary,

When your heart is empty,filling it with happy memories can help.

Hold on to your memories, and let them guide you during this of sadness.

Michael Demaria

August 29, 2011

I'm sure ralph is doing a gig in heaven..and tell his best jokes ...rest in peace my friend

Andrew Smith

August 29, 2011

True story: About two years ago, I was speaking with my Uncle Ralph on the telephone. He was at his office, and I asked him: "Are you still going into work every day of the week?" His reply: "Oh no, not every day. Just five of 'em!" And then he gave a big, hearty laugh. (And he was probably 83 at the time.) A really remarkable man. He was always upbeat, and so supportive of everyone around him and enthusiastic for their achievements. I'm so glad to have had the opportunity to spend some time with him.

Supratik Bose

August 28, 2011

Dear Hillary,

We know we will all go sooner or later. But then there are those who are so very special that we assume they must be immortal. Ralph was one of those.

He was indeed a friend in need. He would listen to your problem with an intent to get a deep understanding, quietly handwrite on a legal pad the answer to the question you should have asked, and hand you his brilliant answer. Then only, he will tell you a joke, ask about your spouse, and walk you to the office elevator.  Wow!

We imagine we will read a report that they have found Ralph's mold broken into pieces. The mold was that of a perfect American gentleman. We join you in missing him dearly.

Loving regards, Supratik Bose & Mary K. Eliot

Laurie Lawson

August 28, 2011

Definitely one of a kind. Ralph will be missed by many but his memory and all the fantastic things he accomplished will live on and on.

Karen Staros

August 28, 2011

Ralph was a super gentleman of the Old School. Charming and so intelligent. He continued his law practice until last year and loved every minute of it. He had a zest for life and a talent for living life to the fullest. I will miss him. My sympathy to his family and friends at the lost of this great guy.

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