Obituary of David H. Smith

David H. Smith, 80 of Virgil, NY passed away December 29, 2012 at St. josephs Hospital in Syracuse. David was the son of Percy H and Bessie H Smith born on December 12, 1932 in Muskegon, MI. Predeceased by his first wife Elizabeth F. Smith, He is survived by their children Stephen W. (Ann), Susan Matalavage (Tom), and Jeffrey H. (Tammy). They raised their family in Cortland eventually moving to Virgil in 1976 to his well-planned, ideal retirement setting and home. Davids life was enriched by his marriage to the Rev. Leslie A. Smith in 1996 adding three more children to his family, Amy Graham (Phil), Christopher Hobbs (Tracy), and Jarrett Hobbs (Jennifer). Through the years David was blessed with twelve grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Family was the focus of his whole life. David valued a special and close relationship with his sister Peggy joslyn, her husband the Rev. Paul joslyn and their wonderful family. They enjoyed many a vacation, talk, reunion and meal over his eighty years. After being drafted in 1957 and serving two years with the US Army Davids professional career started as a tool & die apprentice with the Carrier Corporation in 1960. He moved to Cortland, NY in 1963 and worked as a Project Engineer in Design for Smith Corona for 30 years. In retirement David worked locally as a Locksmith operating his own business. He established Smiths Christmas Tree Farm at his home and sold his homegrown trees from Virgil for many years. He was a long time member of the United Presbyterian Church of Cortland. Davids special interest in the outdoors was expressed and shared with his family in many ways; hunting, photography, observing birds and wildlife around his rural home. He fulfilled a lifelong desire to explore the United States and Canada camping with his wife Leslie. Calling hours will be Tuesday, January 1, 2013 from 4:00 to 6:00pm at the Wright Beard Funeral Home. Funeral services will be Wednesday, January 2 at 11:00AM at the United Presbyterian Church, Church Street in Cortland. Friends may consider donations in Davids name to the Missouri Blue Bird Society, P.O. Box 105830, Jefferson City, MO 65110 or their choice of a local charity. to offer on line condolences visit www.wright-beard.com Leslie, We are so very sorry to learn of Dave?s death and send our sincerest sympathy to you and all his family. My memories of him as a colleague at SCM are of a respected engineer, a gentle man with a quiet sense of humor who treated everyone with dignity and respect. Unfortunately we?re unable to attend his services because we?re on our way back to Florida after a wonderful Christmas with Katherine, Susan and our three grandchildren. Our loving thoughts and prayers are with you. Kathleen & John Leslie, I just read of your husband's passing. My sympathy to you and your family. You are in my thoughts and prayers, and I am so sorry for your loss. Rev. Nancy Rehkugler I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your Dad, I missed the calling hours due to being out of town. I have such fond memories of the family on the hill. I will always keep your family in my prayers. With great sypmathy, Love Marybeth. So very sorry to learn of the passing of your dad. I know it is difficult anytime, but at the holiday season even more so. I lost my Mom on 12/18/2010. My thoughts & prayers are with all of you! God Bless! Jana joslin My sympathies go out to Leslie and her famiy during this sad time. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Linda Smith