Sheldon "Shelly" Smith

Sheldon "Shelly" Smith, 83, of Vestal, NY, passed away on Friday, January 30, 2026, following a brief illness. He was born on October 16, 1942, in Binghamton, NY.

Shelly was deeply devoted to his family and friends. He is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, Marcia (Ripic) Smith; his children Valerie (Pawel) Karczynski, Vincent (Andrea) Smith, Kimberly Ruck (Russell Decker), Debbie Smith, and Lisa Michaels; and his cherished grandchildren Katie, Julianna "AJ," Isaiah, and Gwendolyn, to whom he was lovingly known as Pa.

He was predeceased by his parents, Hyman and Edith Smith; his brother, Gordon Smith; and his in-laws, John and Julia Ripic.

Throughout his life, Shelly and Marcia were the proud owners and operators of Warwick's Bridal Salon on Court Street in downtown Binghamton. Shelly later began a second career in automobile sales, working at Mike Carns Ford Mercury in Hallstead, PA, as well as Feduke Ford, Ken Wilson, Gault Toyota, and concluding his career at Jack Sherman Toyota.

Shelly was known for his heartwarming smile, strong work ethic, corny sense of humor, and love of music. An excellent Scrabble player, he was charismatic with words and an outstanding public speaker-traits that served him well both professionally and personally. He played the piccolo and cherished starting his mornings listening to WNBF, sipping coffee while making lunches for his family, a daily ritual filled with care and routine.

A devoted New York Yankees fan and loyal football supporter-Go Bills!-Shelly loved grilling in all kinds of weather and found joy in fishing, hunting, trips to Wildwood, NJ, dining out, relaxing in his recliner, taking day trips, and-never to be forgotten-"the Lists" faithfully written on yellow legal pads. He was also famously particular about his appearance, never missing the ritual of blow-drying his hair (or lack thereof) and generously shellacking it with hairspray.

Above all, Shelly will be remembered for the countless customers whose lives he touched over the years, the morals and values he passed down to his family, and the way he always showed up for people. Larger than life in the best way, his presence will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Family and friends are invited to gather on Thursday, February 5, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until the service at 1:00 p.m. at Leon Pucedo Funeral Home, 1905 Watson Blvd., Endicott, NY.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that Shelly's memory be honored by putting a smile on someone's face through an act of kindness, or by making a donation to the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.

He will be dearly missed.