Robert C Smith

Rotterdam - Robert C. Smith, 78, of Rotterdam, died peacefully on Tuesday, April 25th, at Ellis Hospital. Born on August 15, 1938 in Cooperstown, NY, he was the son of the late Mildred L. and John G. Smith. He graduated from Van Hornesville Central School in 1958 and received his AAS Degree in Animal Husbandry from SUNY Cobleskill in 1965. Robert grew up on the family dairy farm, and after marriage, worked for Daniel Green Co. before becoming a meat cutter with Victory Markets. He was also employed as a meat cutter by the Niskayuna Co-op, Shop Rite, Great American and retired from BJ's Wholesale Club of Albany in 2000. Robert was a member of the Carman United Methodist Church and a Certified Lay Speaker; a 56 year member of the Dolgeville Masonic Lodge #796, F.& A.M. and the Albany Men's Garden Club. He enjoyed volunteering his time as a Master Gardener with the Cornell Cooperative Ext. of Schenectady County, and also was a vegetable Judge for the 4-H clubs at the Altamont Fair. He was very passionate and proud of his vegetable garden, entering in local fairs and winning many ribbons each year. Robert's greatest joy in life was his family. If there was a party, or get together, he was there and the life of it! His terrific sense of humor and love of life will be sorely missed by all who knew him. Robert is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Carol Lein Smith, their three children Annette (Craig) McDonald, Rotterdam, Carolyn Smith, Ilion, and Michael (Renee) Smith, Scottsville; five grandchildren, Alicia (Matthew) Yacowenia, Daniel McDonald, Connor, Abigail and Paige Smith; one great-grandchild, Cole Yacowenia; twin brother, Ronald (Nancy), Van Hornesville, several cousins, nieces and nephews and family friend, Alicia Volo. Calling hours will be from 2-4pm on Saturday May 6th at the Carman United Methodist Church, 2350 Hamburg Street, Rotterdam, NY, with a funeral service to follow. Burial and a Masonic service will take place Sunday May 7th, at the Van Hornesville Cemetery at 3:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Carman United Methodist Church, or a charity of your choice.