Donald Lewis Smith Sr's Obituary
Donald Lewis Smith Sr., loving husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully in Roseville, California on August 7th, 2021. He was 75 years old.
Donald was born on February 7, 1946 in Suffern, New York, to Alvin and Dorothy (neé Travis) Smith. The youngest of five children, he spent the first part of his life in Mahwah, New Jersey before relocating to Stony Point, New York with his family.
He graduated from Haverstraw-Stony Point High School in June 1965, and began his service with the United States Air Force in February, 1966. During his service, he was stationed at Lackland Air Force Base and Amarillo Air Force Base, both located in Texas. Thereafter, he spent 18 months at Naha Air Force Base in Okinawa, Japan with the Strategic Air Command. Upon his return to the States, he spent the remainder of his service at Mather Air Force Base in Rancho Cordova, California. In March 1968 while stationed there, he met Claudia Lauretta Riddle, the woman with whom he would spend the rest of his life.
Upon his honorable discharge from the United States Air Force on December 5th, 1969, he returned to his home state of New York and began employment with Orange and Rockland Utilities, Inc. He remained dedicated to his career as a protective equipment technician until his retirement in September, 2012 after 42 years of service.
On January 1, 1970, he brought his soon-to-be wife, Claudia, to New York, where they were married nine days later on January 10, 1970. They welcomed two children, Pamela and Donald Jr., in 1971 and 1973.
Donald became a member of the Hillcrest Volunteer Fire Department in January, 1973, and he would later become a life member. In July, 1988, he was ordained a Deacon by the Reverend William Maurice Fain at the Rockland Baptist Church in Pomona, New York. He led services and provided comfort for those in hospitals, as well as ministered when called upon.
In 1987, he became a member of the Charles R. Lewis Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8997 in Stony Point, New York, where he served as Chaplain as well as Post Commander. In 2005, he transferred his life membership to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8691 in Washingtonville, New York. He served as Junior and Senior Vice Commander as well as Post Commander during his time there. He was also a passionate volunteer to the students of JROTC at Washingtonville High School, chaperoning trips and providing guidance alongside the staff to those who needed it.
From 2008-2009, he served as National Deputy Chief of Staff for the VFW, and in 2010-2011 he served as VFW Commander for Orange County, New York. He was also a life member of the VFW National Home for Children. Upon his retirement, he and his wife relocated to Sacramento, California, where he became a member of both the Haggin Grant American Legion Post 521 in Rio Linda, and the Veterans of Forgein Wars Post 4647 in North Highlands.
Donald loved to dance and was a competitive fisher, winning several trophies throughout his life. He loved to listen to oldies and country music, and watch John Wayne movies. Among his favorites were Rooster Cogburn and McLintock!, which he would quote all the time and even play while he napped on the couch.
Our family is thankful to God for His gift of such a loving husband, father, and grandfather. We will be forever grateful for the time that we were given with him.
Donald is survived by his devoted wife of 51 years, Claudia, his children, Pamela and Donald Jr., his grandchildren, Brittany, Brandon, and Brianne, brothers Eugene (s. Antoinette) and Edward, brother-in-law Richard, sisters-in-law Connie, Barbara and Ginger, as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and military friends.
Donald is predeceased by his parents, Alvin Sr. and Dorothy, as well as his sister Bernice, brother Alvin Jr., brother-in-law Robert, sisters-in-law Sarah Lou and Elizabeth, fathers-in-law Claude and Edgar, and mothers-in-law Dorothy, Gloria, and Georgia as well as other family members.
At his request, services and cremation will be private for the immediate family. Also among his final requests, in lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in his name to the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was so proud to be a veteran and was honored to have the opportunity to serve his country.
VFW National Headquarters
406 W. 34th Street
Kansas City, MIssouri 64111
816-756-3390
vfw.org
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