Walter Smith

Walter R. Smith, 87, of Stewart Street, Amsterdam, NY, passed away peacefully Saturday morning July 28, 2012 at Wilkinson Residential Healthcare Facility in Amsterdam.

Born in Amsterdam, NY, on October 19, 1924, he was the son of the late Walter F. and Ida L. Gentz Smith.

Walt received his education in the Amsterdam school system.

Walt was employed at the Army Depot and the Navy Depot in Scotia, NY, General Electric and Mohawk Carpet Mills. He was last employed at St. Mary’s Institute retiring in 1989.

Walt was a United States Navy veteran serving from 1943 to 1946 in the South Pacific aboard the U.S.S. Cabot Aircraft Carrier. In 1944, Walt was the recipient of the Purple Heart Medal. He also received the City of Amsterdam Veterans Service Medal in November of 2010.

Walt was a founding member and longtime Treasurer of the Irish American Club and was a life member of the Polish American Veterans both in Amsterdam.

His wife Eleanor T Lajeunesse Smith to whom he was married to on January 31, 1948, passed away on March 30, 1988.

Walt is survive by one son, Nicholas R. Smith and one daughter, Kathleen Smith Bassett (Olin) all of Amsterdam, two grandchildren, Lynn T. Scribner (Stephen) and Robert W. Smith (Monica Kowalczyk). Nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.

Walt was also predeceased by one son, Walter A. Smith, one daughter, Dhea L. Smith, one brother, Frederick G. Smith, and two sisters, Anna Smith Welsh and Virginia Smith Taber.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a service at St. Mary’s Cemetery Chapel on Thursday morning at 11:00 a.m.

There are no calling hours

Memorial gifts in Walt’s name may be made to Montgomery County SPCA, 1007 St. Hwy 5S Amsterdam, NY. 12010, or to Out of the Pitts, P.O. Box 2311 Albany, NY 12220.

Arrangements are by the Riley Mortuary, Inc. 110 Division Street, Amsterdam, NY. 12010.