Arthur M. Smith

Arthur M. Smith, age 96, passed away on Thursday February 10, 2022. Arthur was born and raised in the "Goose Hill" section of Schenectady in 1925, the son of Thomas (Szumilowski) Smith and Victoria Smith. He was a 1942 graduate of Vincentian Institute in Albany, N.Y. and was a veteran having served in the United States Army in the European Theater during World War II. He participated in the Battle of the Bulge in Belgium and was honorably discharged from the Second Armored Division in 1946.

Art began his formal education in Syracuse University in 1947. He obtained a B.A. Degree from St. Mary's University of Minnesota in 1951 where he captained both the football and baseball teams and was listed in the Who's Who's in American Colleges and Universities.

His post graduate studies were completed at De Paul University in Chicago. He was employed as a teacher and football/baseball coach at De La Salle High School in Chicago. It was here that he met and married his partner for life, Jacqueline Solecki. Upon his return to the Schenectady area in 1955, he taught at Oneida Jr. High School and coached the Schenectady I.O.O.F. Indians Pop Warner football team for ten years.

Leaving the teaching profession, Art worked for the Asphalt Stone Products Inc. and Crushed Rock Products Inc., where he served as Vice President and Corporate Secretary for both firms. While there, he held a certificate as a MSHA instructor for both organizations. His professional career was closed out when he retired as Administrator of the City of Schenectady Engineering Department..

Throughout his life Art strived to be an inspiration to others by displaying a high standard of integrity. He spent 15 years as a Volunteer at the Ellis Hospital, served two terms on the Board of Directors for the historic Vale Cemetery, worked with the Catholic Charities in Schenectady, working at various soup kitchens throughout the city and was a Red Cross Blood Donor where he was a member of the Ten Gallon Club. A devoted Catholic, Art was the original Lector and Eucharistic Minister at the former St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, a commitment that lasted for 35 years. He was deeply committed to his wife and family.

Arthur is survived by his beloved wife of more than 68 years, Jacqueline. He is also survived by his four children: Bruce (Debra) Smith of Grain Valley, MO; Gerard (Diane) Stanko-Smith of Allison Park, PA; Ellen (Bob) Pantzer of Framingham, Mass; and Matthew (Jill) Smith of Greenfield Center, NY. Arthur has seven grandchildren: Carolyn (Jason) Bondarenka, Daniel (Jaclyn) Jacobson-Smith, Alyssa Smith, Ryan (Kily) Smith, Devin (Susanna) Smith, Erin Smith, Ben Smith and four great grandchildren: Henry and Hanna Bondarenka; Clarity Smith; and Wyatt Smith. Also surviving is his brother in law, John F. Solecki, of Lawrence, Mich.

In addition to his parents, Arthur was predeceased by his baby son, Joseph; brother Thomas (Connie) Smith; and sister Veronica (Burt) Ferris.

Calling hours will be held on Monday, March 7, 2022, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the DeLegge Funeral Home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial 1:00 p.m. at St. Anthony's Church. Interment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery with full Military Honors.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may we made in his name to The Sisters of the Resurrection Mother House, 35 Boltwood Ave., Castleton, N.Y., 12333 and/or to The Community Hospice, 445 New Karner Rd. Albany, NY 12205.

For condolences visit deleggefuneralhome.com.