Robert J. Smith

Robert J. Smith, 81, of Great Valley, NY died Monday evening, March 25, 2024 at home following a prolonged illness. He was surrounded by family at his passing.

Born August 17, 1942 in Salamanca, NY, he was the son of the late Patrick and Evelyn Toennies Smith. He was married June 30, 1961 in Olean, NY to the former Cecelia A. Caruso, who survives.

He was a graduate of Salamanca High School, Class of 1960. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Potsdam State and his Master’s from Canisus College, Buffalo, NY.

Bob had been employed as a mathematics teacher with Lancaster Central School for 30 years, retiring in 1995. He taught Regent’s Math and AP Calculus, and tutored many students from his home after he retired.

During his lifetime he enjoyed the distinction of being a baseball pitcher with a wicked southpaw curve ball from SYA little league through high school, college, and Salamanca Men’s Baseball. He was also a high school quarterback.

He was an accomplished guitar player who wrote and recorded “It’s All My Fault”. He played with Rebel and the Jaguars, The Dan Reed Band and his own Smitty and the Stillwater Band.

After retiring from teaching, he and his wife enjoyed their time together on their home and property in Great Valley, dubbed their “Stay-cation” place by his sister-in-law Laurie, which continues to be much enjoyed by family and friends.

Surviving besides is wife are: two children, Theresa Lynne (Terri) and Patrick James Smith (Colleen Lach, his wife); five grandchildren, Kim, Mike, Jason, Robert, Tiffany; five great-grandchildren; his brother Richard J. and wife Ann Smith; his sister Diane Smith; nephew Mark Smith; niece Kelly Colarco; two grandnieces Katie and Allison and grandnephew Christopher.

There will be no visitation.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the convenience of the family and will be announced.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the O’Rourke & O’Rourke Inc. Funeral Home, 25 River Street, Salamanca, NY.

E-condolences can be sent to orourke.orourkefh@gmail.com or posted to facebook.com/onofh.