Stephen W. Smith

1956 - 2023

Smith, Stephen W.
COLONIE - Stephen Smith, 66, passed away on March 14, 2023, suddenly and peacefully in his sleep from cardiac arrest.
He was a very devout Catholic who was born on August 25, 1956, to Mary Mulderry Smith and Dennis Smith in Murfreesboro, Tenn. The family then moved to Buffalo. He graduated from St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute in 1974, and Manhattan College majoring in physical education in 1978. He earned a master's degree in special education from The College of Saint Rose.
He was a much beloved and respected teacher of physical education at the former St. Theresa's School in Albany, Arbor Hill School, Albany High School, and the Albany School of Humanities, where he met his soulmate Ann, who was also a teacher at Arbor Hill School.
He married the love of his life, Ann, and adopted her three children, Karen, Mark and Gregory. Steve loved his wife and children with every fiber of his being. Steve's calm demeanor and sense of humor created a close-knit family with values of unconditional love and respect for God, humanity, and country.
Steve was always available for a good time. He was the social director of the family. He taught the fundamentals of basketball to his sons beginning when they were five and six years old while coaching the weekend Arbor Hill Youth Program and Albany School of Humanities Summer Program.
Steve was a basketball official and a proud member of IAABO36 for over 35 years while serving 15 years as board secretary and as a member of the Executive Committee. He was a mentor to many officials. Steve made long and lasting friendships with the referees and their families. Steve "Smitty," had a talent for bringing people together. He organized his friends who met every year in Bolton Landing for a weekend of golf, card games, and cigars then again at the annual golf and March Madness trip to Florida.
He was a very giving person who volunteered for over 20 years officiating basketball events. Steve coordinated the ZIP tournament in Manhattan to raise money to continue the work of his cousin, Stephen Mulderry, who perished at the World Trade Center in 2001. He also volunteered for the Referees Against Cancer tournament, the Special Olympics, Parkinson's Disease, and many more. His willingness to help others was one of the hallmarks of his character. Steve was a very special person who was a selfless caregiver possessing a ready smile, a quick wit and shoulders to lean on.
His grandsons, Jovani and Logan, were the apple of his eye. He thoroughly enjoyed being their Papa. He was an avid fan of the Buffalo Bills and the Boston Red Sox.
Steve is predeceased by his son, Mark; and his brother, Gregory, as well as his parents. Steve is survived by his daughter, Karen (Gregory Messur); and son, Gregory. He is also survived by his siblings, Mark, Amy (Joe Luciano), Denise (Merle McIssac), Christopher (Amy), and Jeremy (Jill); many cousins, nieces and nephews. Steve is further survived by his constant canine companion, Gracie.
Steve mentioned to Ann that he knew his mission in life - it was to make people happy. This was manifested by the vast number of people who loved him. Steve, your mission on this Earth was accomplished. Well done for a life well lived.
Funeral arrangements will be at the Cannon Funeral Home, 2020 Central Ave., Albany. Calling hours will be on Sunday, March 19, from 1 to 4 p.m. A Mass in celebration of his life will be held in St. Pius X Church, Loudonville at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 20. Please enter through the front door. Steve will be laid to rest in the Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery in Niskayuna.
Donations may be made to the American Heart Association, 4 Atrium Dr., #100, Albany, NY, 12205 or at https://www.heart.org.
To leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit cannonfuneral.com.