Richard Leroy Smith, Sr.

Richard L. Smith, Sr., 61, passed away in the arms of his loving wife on February 25, 2013, at his home in Newark Valley. He had a very valiant 16 year battle with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Dick was predeceased by his father, Herbert Smith, brother, Larry Smith and sister, Mary Roupp. He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Suzanne Hills-Smith; his mother, Viva Smith; his brothers: Tom (Deb) Smith, Bruce (Cindy) Smith; his sisters: Diane (David) Lunn, Donna (William) Clark, and Janice (Don) Relyea. Also surviving are his sons, Jonathan (Nikki) Smith, Richard Smith, Jr. and 4 grandchildren. He was the beloved uncle of 26 nieces and nephews, including a special niece, Shelly Roupp.Dick was a graduate of Owego Free Academy, class of 69 and a Veteran of the US Army, serving in Vietnam as a heavy equipment operator. For the past 30 years he has driven buses for Tioga Transport, a job he dearly loved. Dick was genuinely interested in all of his passengers and made many friendships that lasted for years. In fact, that is how he and Sue met over 25 years ago.Dick loved all of his extended family. In recent months, being home-bound, he kept in daily touch with many of them on Facebook.Dick had two great passions: classic cars (he owned and showed several) and yard sales. Summer weekends, he could be found at either a show or sale or both. He also loved to play pinochle with his card buddies, Bob and Camille Scharf. Dick was also a great handyman and mechanic. He could fix anything in his house or on his car and loved to help his friends and neighbors with their repairs.Dicks family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to his medical support staff at Guthrie Clinic, Sayre: Dr. Philip Lowry, Sue Damico, PA, and his nurse, Janet Morgan. They all became family members to us and showered Dick with love.A Funeral Service and celebration of Richards life will be held at 12 noon on Friday, March 1, at the MacPherson Funeral Home, 5 Whig St., Newark Valley. Rev. Nancy J. Adams will officiate and Military Honors will be accorded. Burial will be in Hope Cemetery. A period of visitation will be held one hour prior to the service from 11-12. Memorial donations may be directed to Thomas A. Golisano Hope Lodge, 1120 Goodwin St, So., Rochester, NY 14620, in loving memory of Richard L. Smith, Sr.Memories and condolences may be written in his guest book at macphersonfh.com