Gary J. Smith Sr.

1938 - 2021

Smith, Gary J. Sr. LATHAM Gary J. Smith Sr., 83 of Latham, entered into eternal life on Friday, October 22, 2021, at St. Peter's Hospital in Albany, after battling a long illness. Gary was born in Albany on July 22, 1938, and he was the son of the late Joseph and Lila (Wanmer) Smith. He proudly served in the 2nd Armored Division of the U. S. Army from 1962 to 1965. As a young man, he was educated at Our Lady of Angel's and Christian Brother's Academy in Albany. Upon graduation, he attended the Simmons School of Mortuary Science in Syracuse. Gary worked as a technical sales representative for Oakite Products for over 29 years. During his retirement, he was a well-known employee at the Town of Colonie Golf Course. Gary was a member and past exalted ruler of the Colonie Elks Lodge #2192, a member of both the Latham-Colonie Knights of Columbus #3394 and the Joseph Zaloga Post in Albany. During his children's school years, he volunteered often for St. Pius X School and Church serving as co-chair of the annual bazaar, organizing the annual blood drive, helping with bingo, assisting with the Thanksgiving food drive, and many other functions when called upon. Survivors include his loving children, Gary J. (Leisel) Smith Jr., Tracy (Jeffrey) Finnigan and Kendra (the late Joseph) Fingerhut; his cherished grandchildren, Jake, Nathan, Quinlan, Emery, Avery and Joey. He was the beloved longtime companion of Karen Krauss. Gary enjoyed the simple things in life, such as spaghetti with no meatballs, lifesavers and chocolate shakes. The month of March in Myrtle Beach with friends was a favorite past time during his retirement years. His devotion to his grandchildren could be seen when he attended endless baseball and basketball games. The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff at the Elderwood Village, the Riverside Nursing Home and the Fresenius Dialysis Center. A very special thank you to the staff at his second home, St. Peter's Hospital, especially for the care he received over the years. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 26, 2021, at 10 a.m. in St. Pius X Church, 23 Crumitie Road, Loudonville. Relatives and friends are invited and may call Monday, October 25, 2021, from 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. at the Dufresne & Cavanaugh Funeral Home, 149 Old Loudon Road, Latham. Interment with military honors will be in Our Lady of Angels Cemetery in Colonie. Charitable contributions in Gary's memory may be made to the Joseph Fingerhut Memorial Scholarship Fund (c/o Christian Brothers Academy, 12 Airline Drive, Albany, NY 12205) or the Fresenius Medical Care Foundation. For directions, information, to light a memory candle or order flowers for the family please visit www.dufresneandcavanaugh.com.