Robert Smith

Robert (Bob) Smith of Verona and Westernville passed away peacefully on December 24, 2021. He was the son of the late Howard and Dorothy Smith. He attended Verona schools and graduated from VVS in 1961 after which he did a little traveling and worked for some local area companies. In 1967 he started working for the NYS Conservation Department at the Rome Fish Hatchery, where he stayed until his retirement in 2003 after 36 years. The Fish Hatchery was open to the public then and he loved talking with the frequent visitors and giving tours to the school children.

Many knew Robert as "Boody Bob". Bob spent most of his adult life on Boody Hill, a settlement that lies at the top of a winding gravel road, previously owned by Jacob Boody. Bob took great pride in the ownership of this settlement. He spent years creating beautiful flower gardens for all to see - friends and family, and some special "tours" for seniors and other small groups. Bob also created a series of greeting cards, known as "Annie and Her Friends", featuring injured animals and spreading the message of kindness, giving and most importantly, love. His dream was to create indoor and outdoor museums to share with everyone his extensive knowledge of New York State history, its land and its people. Unfortunately, due to failing health, he wasn't able to realize his dreams.

Robert was very giving to the elderly, the less fortunate, friends and family. He made many stops in his travels on a daily basis giving to those he felt needed it. His generosity was beyond measure and very important to him. Many have thought Bob to be a bit eccentric, but he was living a life he loved and that had great meaning. Bob was truly the most unselfish man one could have the privilege to know.

Robert is survived by his brother Howard (Beverly) Smith of Verona, sisters Carol Ross of Verona and Nancy (Lee) Ackley of Davenport, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Because of the continuing Covid protocols, the service and burial will be private. In Robert's memory, please consider a donation to your local Food Pantry. That would be his final wish to us – to be kind and generous to one another, and to always help those less fortunate.

A quote from Robert - "All I've ever wanted is beauty; that's what the world's all about."

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Prince-Boyd & Hyatt Home For Funerals, Inc., 210 W. Court Street, Rome, New York.

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