Name: Calling hours for Noel James Smith
Start: 2015-11-11T21:00:00.000Z
End: 2015-11-12T00:00:00.000Z
Location: William J. Burke & Sons / Bussing & Cunniff, Inc. Funeral Homes

Noel James Smith, 79, of Saratoga Springs died Sunday, November 8, 2015, at his home, with his family by his side. Born on July 29, 1936, in Rochester, NY, the son of the late Eric and Christine (Ruth) Smith, he was the fifth of eight Smith children. A graduate of the Allendale School, he went on to earn degrees in Hotel and Restaurant Management from Paul Smiths College and the University of Denver. A US Army veteran, he was honorably discharged in 1957. He married his wife, Saratoga Springs native, Kathleen Dowd, in 1968. She lured him to her hometown where they built their life, family and businesses together. Over the years, the Smiths became an active part of the Saratoga Springs business community. In the early years, Noel was proprietor of Noby's Tavern, Yesterday's and the Dining Car Restaurants. Together they opened Saratoga Bed and Breakfast, one of the first in the city, along with the adjacent Saratoga Motel. In 1997, he and Kathleen bought two dilapidated buildings on Broadway and enhanced the city with the restored, award winning, Saratoga Arms Hotel. He was the breakfast chef until his retirement in 2013. Noel greatly enjoyed hosting friends and family breakfasts on Saturdays at the hotel, where much laughter and many stories were shared. He also looked forward to his Tuesday night card games and regular games of cribbage with a few close friends and family. Noel was a Third degree member of Saratoga Council 246 Knights of Columbus and a member of Saratoga-Wilton B.P.O. Elks Lodge 161 for over 40 years. In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his sister, Constance Elliott; and two of his brothers, Evan and Dale Smith. Survivors include his wife of nearly 47 years, Kathleen; three daughters, Amy (Caroline) Smith, Sheila (Matthew) Sperling and Ann (Justin) Hiller; seven grandchildren, Everett and Edward Smith, Ava, Grant and Sophia Sperling and Lillian and Elliott Hiller; four brothers, Mark (Colleen), Eric (Marion), Gary (Patricia) and Leal (Sharon); and several nieces, nephews and many good friends. Relatives and friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m., Wednesday (Nov. 11, 2015) at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing and Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, 584-5373. Members of the K of C will meet at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday at the funeral home for their service. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m., Thursday (Nov. 12th) in the historic Church of St. Peter, 241 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, by the Rev. Thomas H. Chevalier, pastor. Burial with military honors will follow at 12:30 p.m. at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his name to Community Hospice of Saratoga, 179 Lawrence Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.

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

Published by The Daily Gazette Co. on Nov. 10, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Noel Smith

19 Entries

Michele and Mark

November 8, 2016

Kathy and family,
Kindly know we are thinking of Noel and your family today, already one year. Can only imagine what his thoughts and comments would be this Election Day! That alone will keep everyone smiling.
Our wishes and thought remain -

December 1, 2015

Dear Noel Smith's Family

Sorry to hear the passing of a great college classmate. I attended Paul Smith's College with Noel and we were both in the hotel program together. Went on some fun "road trips" with Noel and other classmates as well as some great conversations over way to many cups of coffee in the student center.

I was sent the nice article today from another 1961 classmate, Dave Eaton, a forestry student. Beautiful article on Noel and you his wife and children and family. Glad that I had the pleasure of knowing your husband. A great man and a very good student.

Charlie Dyke, Hotel, Class of 1961
[email protected]

I'm retired and live just outside of Ithaca, NY

November 18, 2015

Dear Kathy,
Sorry to hear of Noby's passing. We offer you much comfort in the wonderful memories you shared.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.

Marcia and Irv Metzger San Diego

Carol Kurto

November 15, 2015

To Kathy and the Entire Family,
We were so sorry to hear of the passing of "Noby". We remember so many great times at all of your restaurants, and we always think of Noby with that big grin on his face telling us another of his famous" jokes" We know that the last few weeks have been rough on everyone, but we also know how much comfort he received from having his entire family around him. The Smith Family has accomplished so much in their lives and this is a tribute to both Kathy and Noby. We send our thoughts and prayers and we know how much he will be missed by his many friends and family. May you be filled with peace and fond memories as you go through this difficult time.
Carol and Peter Kurto and Family

How you can show support

Get email updates whenever changes are made.

Send flowers

Consider sending flowers.

Add photos

Share their life with photo memories.

Plant trees

Honor them by planting trees in their memory.

Donate in Memory

Make a donation in memory of your loved one.

Share this page

Invite other friends and family to visit the page.

Joe & Marge Rafferty

November 13, 2015

Cathy and girls, Joe and I we're sorry to hear of Noel's passing. We have many fond memories of our time with all of you in Saratoga. Please know that your in our thoughts and prayers. RIP my friend❤

Linda and Johnnie Parker

November 13, 2015

Kathy and Family,

So saddened to hear of Noby's passing. He was such a great character.....so unique and so funny! We hope all your memories can bring you some peace during this sad time.

Linda and Johnnie Parker

Maureen Baringer

November 13, 2015

Kathy, Sheila and Family~

So sorry to learn of your loss. Wishing you comfort in your memories.

~Maureen Baringer

Marilyn Parry

November 12, 2015

Dear Shelia; I am so sorry to learn of your dads' passing. From reading his obituary, he and your mom lived and enjoyed a very full life together. May God give you all the strength and love that you need at this time. Much love and sympathy...Marilyn

Kathy Riester

November 11, 2015

Dear Kathy & Family: I was so sorry to learn of Noby's passing. My deepest sympathies on your loss.

Peggy and JIm Brown

November 10, 2015

Dear Kathleen, Sheila, Amy and Ann,

Saratoga for us has always been Noel and Kathleen , Sheila and Amy. Ann was not around during our tenure but fondly remembered from days gone by. Breakfast at the Arms was always a treat, but the real treat was sitting with Noel and family after breakfast hours. As Jim said, Noel was very respected and loved , especially by those he let into his world! What a funny person he was. He was our treat!! We will miss him so much. But he will always live in our memories which I am sure will will continue to discuss for years to come.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the entire family. To us, you are extended family and will be close to our hearts forever.

With deepest sympathy, Peggy and Jim Brown

Donna Spada

November 10, 2015

Kathleen, Sheila, Amy and Family, I am sorry for you loss. I enjoyed his humor whenever I was staying at the Inn. I will miss his cantor. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family.

James G. Collins

November 10, 2015

Kathy and Family. Sorry to learn of Noel's passing. He had a great sense of humor. We shared many a laugh.i will keep Noel and all in my prayers. Jim Colliins

Albert/Betty-Jo Grande

November 10, 2015

We are so saddened by his loss, we have so many wonderful memories of him and your family. So glad you were all in our lives the past 45 years.

Carolee Mills

November 10, 2015

Dear Kathy, Amy, Shelia, and Annie -- please accept my condolences for the loss of a true treasure. I have always had a very soft spot in my heart for Noel, and after many years was so happy to have had the chance to share a Saturday breakfast with both Noel and Kathy this summer. My thoughts and prayers are with you at Noel's passing, and know that among the treasure's of his life are all you and his wonderful grandchildren. With great fondness for all, Carolee

November 10, 2015

So sorry to hear of your loss .sincerely, yvonne and Stephen sullivan

Tom Elliott

November 9, 2015

Aunt Kathy, Amy, Sheila and Annie,

I am saddened thinking about the world without Noby. Most of my memories are from my younger days, but whenever I'd see him in later years on my occasional trips back east it would seem like he never changed. Same old Noby, always saying something to make you laugh. He was a great friend to my Dad and always so nice to our family. After my paper route I would go over to Sears and wait for Noby and he would drive me home after he got off work. He picked me up from my football practices down at Norton Village. I most of all remember him playing cribbage with Dad after church. If I interrupted the game he'd give me that look and tell me to go play in traffic. I have only good memories of Noby. You are all in my thoughts. Take care.

Hank Kuczynski

November 9, 2015

Kathleen, Amy, Sheila ,Ann: Saddened by the news, As you are aware we are in CA with family. Although we will not be present you are in our thoughts and Noel in our prayers. I was honored and able to spent considerable time with Noel in his last days. We were closer friends than most realized. I miss him so much. His candor and humor is cherished. Sincerely, Hank

Douglas Mills

November 9, 2015

What a family man, and such a great and unusual sense of humor. Tell it like it is Noel. Doug Mills.

November 9, 2015

The Staff at Burke & Bussing Funeral Homes extend their deepest sympathy to the Smith family.

Showing 1 - 19 of 19 results