Ronald “Ron” Smith passed away on May 1, 2022, after a brief illness.
Ron was born in Sidney, New York, on September 3, 1943, the son of Francis William Smith and Barbara Duane (Eddy) Smith.
Ron grew up in Sidney Center, NY, attended Sidney Schools, enjoyed football, wrestling, and playing the drums. He was a 1962 graduate of Sidney High School. After graduation, Ron enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he was deployed to Vietnam. Ron served the Marines proudly until he was honorably discharged as a Corporal E-4 in 1966. Ron attended Broome Community College after his discharge from the Marines. Soon after college, Ron went to work for the New York State Electric & Gas Company, working as a line mechanic.
On January 27, 1973, in Norwich, Ron married the love of his life, Alberta “Bert” Law. Ron and Bert made their home in Norwich and raised two great sons. They had their family home built on Ronsyl Drive in 1976. They took great pride in their home and property; meticulously designing and grooming their landscape. Ron & Bert spent endless hours mowing, planting trees and flowers, adding features such as a pool and gazebo, year after year. Bert was the designer and construction manager, while Ron served as her faithful assistant. They loved to dance, play cards, and entertain friends. Ron was known as “the life of the party” often getting up to sing “Splish Splash” or “Sea Cruise” with Bruce Beadle Band or The Ryans. Ron was also known to tell a joke or two, eating up the laughter of the crowd. Summer was Ron’s favorite season and he & Bert could often be found enjoying their pool deck soaking up the sun, barbequing and having a cocktail with “the oldies” playing on their sound system. Polkville Hill residents will remember Ron for his LOVE-PEACE-NOEL fence lights every Christmas season. Neighbors will remember “Singing Santa” belting out the Christmas tunes. Ron was a true music lover. The tunes were always on. Music trivia – Ron was your guy. This is a trait dutifully passed down from generation to generation. Francis, Ron & Troy – three generations of music lovers and drummers. Ron & Bert faithfully followed their son Troy and the Norwich High School Marching Band for years, rain or shine. Granddaughter Mercedes also has a special love of music, even studying Music at Mansfield University.
After thirty years of service to NYSEG, Ron retired on January 1, 1999. Ron made many good friends working at NYSEG, often recounting their many storm stories and other escapades. After retirement, Ron was able to spend more time at the home he loved, with the family and neighbors he loved. The Pig Porker was an annual event he looked forward to; spending time with friends and neighbors including the Ferrys, Dolgos, Cruzes, Koterbas, Condons and Coates, amongst others. After the passing of his beloved wife Bert, Ron cherished friends and family that would stop by to visit. Ron loved to sit in his chair in the garage, listening to his tunes, entertaining friends. We are forever grateful to the many friends who would regularly stop by to spend time with Ron and check in on him.
Ron is survived by his sons, Troy and Kelly (Anthony) Smith and Scott Doing. In addition, Ron is survived by his grandchildren Jake Smith, Brady Smith, Charlotte (Charlie) Smith, Mercedes Doing-Dodge, Nicole Watts, and Devon White; great grandchildren Tommy Bolivar, Lincoln Bolivar, Carson Dodge and Hope White. Ron is also survived by his brothers and sisters, Emily (Smith) & Thomas Droddy of Lumberton, Texas; Dorothy (Smith) & Stanley Radomski of Ewing, New Jersey; Kenneth & Jan Smith of Madera, California; and Donald Smith of Afton, New York, as well as many wonderful nieces and nephews.
Ron was predeceased by his wife, Alberta Smith and his parents, Francis and Barbara Smith.
Ron was very close with his nephew Rick Condon and his wife, Melinda, as well as friends Jim “Hooker” Ferry and Tom Cruz.
Ron truly loved his family. He had many fond memories and stories of growing up in a large family with lots of siblings. Ron cherished his wife and sons. It makes us happy to know that Ron has been reunited in heaven with his wife and parents. Papa Ron loved his grandkids, and they will truly miss his hugs and laughter. We hope the oldies are playing and the drinks are flowing up there, Dad. Until we see you again…
Private funeral services for Ron will be held on May 16, 2022, with interment in the Mt. Hope Cemetery. Friends and family are invited to call on the family on May 16 after 3 pm at the Smith Residence on Ronsyl Drive. At Ron’s request, family is planning a true Celebration of Life party later in the summer. Stay tuned. Please consider memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society, 13 Beech Street, Johnson City, NY 13790. www.cancer.org.
Arrangements are with the R. J. Fahy Funeral Home, Norwich.