IN MEMORIAM: Eugene R. Smith, 72;

Vietnam Veteran, Longtime Firefighter

TODDSVILLE – Eugene R. Smith, 72, of Toddsville, a Vietnam veteran and longtime member of Hartwick Fire Department Co. No. 2 in Hartwick Seminary, and passed away Sunday afternoon, Oct. 15, 2017, at home in his favorite recliner surrounded by his family.

Gene – or Bobby, as he was affectionately known by family and friends – was born June 9, 1945, in Cooperstown, a son of Richard Frederick Smith, Sr. and Dorothy Arlene Roseboom Smith.

After attending several area schools, Gene enlisted in the Army on Dec. 31, 1962. He served during the Vietnam War as a cook, and received his honorable discharge on Dec. 30, 1965.

It was during his time in the military that he married Lois M. Bridger on March 16, 1963, at the First Baptist Church in Cooperstown, with the Rev. Merlin W. Bradley officiating. For the past 42 years they have made their home in Toddsville.

For 28 years, Gene was employed at Remington Arms in Ilion where he primarily was a machine operator.

Currently an honorary member of the Hartwick Fire Department Co. No. 2 in Hartwick Seminary, he served as a firefighter for 28 years.

Throughout his life, Bobby was an avid fan of NASCAR, with Kevin Harvick being his favorite driver. He also loved “Dr. Who” movies, New Year’s Eve poker games and fishing. He could always be seen at his grandson’s baseball games, and was never afraid to voice his opinions on officials and team members alike.

A fan of Jerry Lee Lewis and rockabilly, Bobby will be especially remembered for playing his guitar. He took great joy in entertaining people and played whenever he could, especially at family gatherings.

First and foremost, Gene loved his family. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 54 years, Lois M. Smith of Toddsville; their three children, Eugene R. Smith, Jr. (“Butch”) and wife, Kathryn of Oneonta, Stacey Smith and Mark Kirkby of Toddsville, and Donald F. Smith and wife, Jessica Gilmartin of Cooperstown; seven grandchildren, Bethany and Terri Ingalls, Sean Strader, Sydney and Savannah Kirkby, and Alex and Braydon Hascup and their father, Brian Hascup;  and a faithful canine friend, Casper.

He is further survived by three brothers, Richard F. Smith, Jr. and wife, Patricia of Oaksville, Ronald Smith and wife, Debbie of Oppenheim and Charles Smith of Cedarville; one sister, Grace Snyder of Oneonta; seven sisters-in-law, Joan Weiner, Elizabeth O’Brien, Mildred Jennings and Evelyn Gray, all of Cooperstown, Hilda Pomeroy of Fulton, Cora Petrucco of Cortland, and Wanda Laymon of Daytona, Florida; an uncle, Donald Roseboom and wife, Alice of Georgia; and many, many nieces, nephews and cousins.

A Celebration of Life for Gene at 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21, at the Hartwick Fire Department Co. No. 2 in Hartwick Seminary.

As an alternative to flowers, Gene’s family requests that memorial donations be made to Cooperstown Youth Baseball, P.O. Box 282, Cooperstown, NY  13326.

Arrangements are under the care and guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.