William F. Smith

William F. Smith, 84, of Fort Johnson passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at St. Mary's Hospital.

He was born September 19, 1941in Amsterdam NY and was a life-long resident of the Village of Fort Johnson. He was the son of S. Francis and Caroline Smith. He attended Wilbur H. Lynch High School and graduated in 1959. He was a lifetime member of the Fort Johnson Volunteer Fire Company.

Throughout his life, he wore many hats and took pride in every job he held. His career included work with Inman's Manufacturing, General Electric, St. Amour Refuse, Village of Fort Johnson, and finally Scotia Sand and Stone in Glenville, where he worked until his retirement. He was also very involved on the Village Board as a trustee for 30 years until the Village dissolved. He was an avid bowler on various Amsterdam leagues with his brothers and played softball in the City's recreation league.

Bill devoted countless hours to coaching softball teams for the Village while his girls were growing up, and he never missed a single game, match, or meet when it came to his grandchildren's sporting events. His pride in them was unmistakable.

In retirement, he found joy in woodworking, creating everything from ornaments to furniture. He never charged for his work-he simply loved making things for everyone. He also enjoyed putting together jigsaw puzzles that his family would get him every year for Christmas and complain the whole time he was doing them. Bill was also an avid NASCAR fan and enjoyed hunting with his brother Rick for many years.

Bill was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and uncle. His family was the center of his world, and he loved them above all else. His presence, his steady warmth, and the love he gave so freely will be deeply missed by everyone whose lives he touched.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Barbara; daughters Kimberly Simmons (Michael), Deborah Staulters (Lee), and Jennifer Smith; grandchildren Erin Smith, Ian Simmons, Kelsi and Joshua Staulters, Briana Markert (Jeremy), and Ashley Markert; and great-grandchildren Aliliana, Jeremy, and MaKenna Litchfield. He is also survived by his brother Richard (Kathleen) Smith and sisters Diane Peck and Linda (Tony) Luzinas, numerous nieces and nephews in New York and Connecticut, and cousins.

He was predeceased by his parents; brothers Frank, Philip, Thomas, Michael; sisters-in-law Marylou Smith and Carol Cacicedo; brother-in-law David Skinner and nephew Mark Smith.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, February 3, 2026 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Rose & Hughes Funeral Home, 200 Church St. Amsterdam followed by a Prayer Service at 1:00 PM with Deacon Robert Staulters presiding.

Bill's family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to St. Mary's Healthcare ICU Nurse's Ashley, Kylee, Audrey and Jenny who sat with him, and for the wonderful care he received. The family is forever grateful.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association, 55 Wacker Drive, Suite 1150, Chicago, IL, 60601 or Tribes Hill Volunteer Fire Department, 280 Mohawk Drive, Fonda, NY 12068. Please visit Bill's tribute at www.roseandhughesfh.com