Richard L. Smith

1949 - 2023

Richard Lawrence Smith, 73, of Kingston, N.Y. passed away Monday, January 16, 2023 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born February 26, 1949 in Kingston. The son of the late J. Richard Smith and Georgia A. Smith, he was the fourth of nine children. He was married in 1972 to Diane M. Williams whom we sadly lost on May 25, 2021 to her own battle with cancer. He was one of the last employees at the former Hutton Brickyard until the closed permanently around 1980. He was then offered a job by an old friend, Joe Fischer, and spent about 30 years with Fischer Electric until his retirement. Richard was an avid guitar player and singer for most of his life. Hand tremors eventually forced him to give up guitar but he continued to sing almost every day. Some of his fondest memories revolved around family, friends, and music. Nothing made him happier than an evening of guitars and singing with his brother Danny and their friends or a Sunday evening of music with the whole family. Richard is survived by his son, Jason Richard and five of his siblings, Judith, Gary, Jerry (Kathy), Patricia, and Donna (Serge Samouel), and predeceased by his wife of nearly 50 years, Diane, and three siblings Daniel (Scherry), Kathryn, and Ronald (Kathleen, also deceased). Many nieces and nephews also survive. Cremation and memorial arrangements are under the guidance of the Joseph V. Leahy Funeral Home, Inc. 27 Smith Avenue, Kingston. www.jvleahyfh.com. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday January 21st at St. Mary's Church, Kingston at 11:00 AM. Inurnment will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to Hudson Valley Hospice would be greatly appreciated. They were incredibly compassionate and comforting to Richard and his family during his hospital stay. https://www.lastingmemories.com/richard-l-smith