Arthur Nelson Smith

ONEONTA _ Arthur Nelson Smith, 73, passed away at home Friday evening, Oct. 3, 2008.
Art was born Dec. 20, 1934, in Margaretville.
He is survived by his wife of 21 years, Susan C. Smith; his brother and wife, Irving and Patti Smith of Merritt Island, Fla.; and his children, Gordon Smith of Cave Creek, Ariz., Valerie Salazar of Houston, Texas, Virginia Valentine of Sunrise, Fla., and Kenneth Smith of Houston, Texas; his grandchildren, Lauren, Katherine and Noah Smith, Stephen Hiller, Robert Valentine, Gordon Salazar, and Jennifer Cuellar; his cousins, Anne Nelson of Rexford and Susan Guinan of Oneonta; and by numerous great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his first wife, Willa; his oldest son, Arthur Nelson Smith Jr.; and grandson, Adrian Salazar.
His career included working with his father at Smith's Plumbing and Heating in Margaretville, working for JC Penny in Manhattan, owning a Morgan Horse farm in Andes, and represented National Trailer Convey. He also worked for Medical Coaches, Inc., in Oneonta, and then with his wife at Oneonta Tire & Auto Parts, followed by being a co-owner of CSM Crankshaft and Engine Rebuilders. His final and most satisfying occupation was as owner and chief pilot of Oneonta Aviation and Catskill Air Service.
He graduated from St. Laurence in Canton, where he was a member of the ROTC. He then served in the United States Army in Germany as a military policeman. He then joined the Army Reserves and became a long standing member of the Army Pistol and Rifle teams until he retired as a major in 1994.
He was a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association and avid hunter.
Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2008, at the Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home, 51 Dietz St., Oneonta. The family will be in attendance.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Lake Delaware Boys Camp, Lake Delaware, Delhi, NY 13753 or the Catskill Area Hospice & Palliative Care, 1 Birchwood Drive, Oneonta, NY 13820.
Condolences to the family can also be made online at www.lhpfuneralhome.com.
A memorial service and interment with military honors will take place in the Sanford Cemetery in New Kingston in the spring.
The Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home is serving the family.