It is with broken hearts we announce the passing of Donald Hammond Smith, on November 6, 2024. Born May 17, 1955, in Oswego, New York, to Theodore William Smith and Jacqueline Brenda Hammond Smith, he was the second oldest of 6 children: Theodore (Ted) William Smith, Jr., Dwight David Smith his estranged twin brother; Rebecca Smith Radliff, Maggie Anne Smith, and William (Will) Thomas Smith.
After high school in Cobleskill, New York, he spent a few years as a United States Merchant Marine. Following that he spent the rest of his career in construction, first with Hughes Construction, then his own company, D&D Smith Constructors with his brother, and finally with Greer Contracting.
While he was very good at construction and it was how he earned his living, his reason for being on this earth was his service to others, and a legacy of kindness, integrity, patience, and a tireless work ethic followed him everywhere, and will continue to inspire and uplift us. He was always about doing the right thing, using common sense, and humor. We liked to say no backing up. He never stopped trying to help others. He was positive, fearless, and had a keen and curious intellect.
Don loved birdwatching and playing music from an early age; both brought him such joy, and for a time, music was his career. He met his wife, Mary Kathleen Dwyer-Smith, in 1982 while playing his 12-string guitar at Rossi’s Pizza, and their romance began. He leaves behind his wife of 34 years, Kathleen, who will miss this amazing man who made her feel cherished each day.
He is also survived by his two sisters Rebecca and Maggie and brother Dwight, and nieces and nephews, and untold friends. He was preceded in death by both parents, and brothers Ted and Will. He will also be missed by every person whose path he crossed.
Don will be missed beyond measure by all who knew him. We will always love him, and he will be forever in our hearts.
We will bid a heartfelt farewell to Don at a memorial service on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at 10:30 a.m., at A Community Funeral Home and Sunset Cremations.