Arnold Smith

Arnold P. Smith, 88, beloved father and provider, followed his wife, Jane Green Smith, to his Saviors arms, early Friday morning, August 26, 2011. Born in Malone, NY on May 8, 1923, Arnold was a son of Clifford Pierce and Mary (Hadley) Smith. He was also predeceased by his brothers: Hadley, Albert, Mial and sister, Lorraine Ball. He is survived by his children: Valorie Joanne and her husband A. Richard Hammond, Allan Clifford and his wife Cindy Clark-Smith, Pamela Grace Kerr and David Arnold Smith. Also surviving are his grandchildren: Erica Jane Hanson, Jeffrey Arnold Kerr, Alison Grace Kerr, Philip Frances Smith; great grandchildren: Jacob, Jillianne and Jenna Hanson, nieces and nephews.Arnold was a veteran of the US Navy, serving during WW II in Brazil and also a tour in the Pacific. Following the war, he studied engineering at R.I.T., he later received his Bachelors Degree in Physical Education from Ithaca College and his Masters Degree in Guidance Counseling from Colgate University. He taught at Parishville-Hopkinton Central School in Parishville, NY, McCallister and Kenwood Park Elementary Schools in Sherrill, NY and was a Guidance Counselor at Chateaugay Central School, Chateaugay, NY and Newark Valley Central School, before retiring. He was also employed as an inspector at Crown Industries/Savin , Owego, NY and later as a substitute teacher for Newark Valley Central School. Arnold was a member of the Sherrill United Methodist Church and attended the Berkshire Methodist Church for over 30 years. He was also a member of Frontier Lodge # 517, F&AM in Chateaugay for many years. Arnold had an abiding love for his family and would speak fondly of his years growing up in Fort Covington and North Bangor, NY. He often said he found a second family in Janes family and he cherished the time he spent at the family cottage on Chateaugay Lake. His love for music was passed on to his children and his knowledge of big band music was encyclopedic. Arnold greatly enjoyed teaching and encouraging young people. He took great pleasure in watching his beloved San Francisco Giants win the World Series. But his greatest love was for his wife of 54 years, Jane, whose hand he again holds in heaven. He will be missed.His family will receive friends at the MacPherson Funeral Home, 5 Whig St., Newark Valley, Tuesday evening from 6-7:45 pm. Masonic services will be conducted at 7:45 pm, followed by Military Honors, a memorial service and a celebration of Arnolds life at 8 PM. Rev. Daniel Martin and Rev. Viki Andrews will officiate. Friends wishing to honor Arnold with a memorial are asked to consider Lourdes Hospice, 4102 Vestal Rd., Vestal NY 13850 in his memory. Remembrances and condolences to his family may be written in his guest book at macphersonfh.com.