Henry J. "Hank" Smith Jr.

Henry J. "Hank" Smith, Jr.

Henry J. Smith, Jr. "Hank", 90, of Marcellus, NY, passed away peacefully at his home on February 8, 2026 surrounded by family. Born in Auburn, NY, he was the son of the late Henry J. Smith, Sr. and Stella (Mierzwa) Smith. He was a graduate of Port Byron High School and a proud veteran of the National Guard, serving his country with honor and dedication. Following his service, he built a remarkable 45-year career as an offset printer and color specialist with Jacobs Press, where his steady hand, attention to detail, and quiet pride in his work earned the respect of colleagues and friends alike.

Hank found his greatest joy outdoors. Winters were spent skiing, snowmobiling, sledding, and skating with his children, creating memories filled with laughter and motion. When the seasons turned warm, Hank could be found on Owasco Lake with family and friends, waterskiing, boating, and savoring long days and sunsets on the water.

Hank's love of the sky was as strong as his love of the land. As a licensed pilot, he owned several planes and took great pleasure in flying. His fascination extended to model aviation as well-he spent countless hours flying RC planes in his younger years and rebuilding several planes as time went on.

Following his retirement from Jacobs Press, Hank and his beloved wife Nancy took to the road, driving the scenic route down the coast to Florida. They cherished their travels, stopping often to visit family and friends. In Florida, they found joy in the warm weather and in attending air shows, where Hank's passion for flight continued to soar.

Hank had a lifelong appreciation for classic automobiles that told a story of another time. Hank often reminisced about his own story of his white corvette with red seats-an icon of his adventurous spirit and the early days of his and Nancy's marriage.

He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Nancy Marquart Smith; their son, Henry J. Smith, III "Joe" (Jennifer Grant); two sisters: Virginia Marsden and Elaine (Roger) Wilcox; grandchildren: Melanie, Mitchell and Melissa Collins; son-in-law, John Collins; brother-in-law, Jack Wickham and several other brother and sisters -in- laws; nieces and nephews; and a close family friend, Lisa Geisinger.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his daughter, Sharon Collins; and in-laws: Alfred Marsden, William and Wayne Marquart and Sue Wickham; and a niece, Regina Marsden-Crupe.

Hank lived a full life defined by love, adventure, and the simple joys of time spent with those he cherished most. His laughter, generosity, and sense of wonder will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

The family extends a sincere thank you to Hank's palliative care nurse practitioner and his doctor, Maura Stanton, NP, and Dr. Michael Glowacki for their excellent care and constant professional attention.

Please visit the family on Monday, February 16th from 4 to 6 pm at Langham Funeral Home, LLC 48 South Street, Auburn, NY. A celebration of Hank's life will be held at a later date. The omission of flowers is requested. Please consider contributing to the ALS Association in Hank's memory. Please visit www.Langhamfuneralhomellc.com to leave a condolence for the family.