OSWEGO, NY – Wayne “Smitty” A. Smith, 88, of Oswego, passed away on Saturday June 15, 2013, at Michaud Residential Health Services, Fulton, NY, with his loving daughter by his side.
Wayne was born in Syracuse, NY, on August 10, 1924, a son of the late Archibald and Dortha (McRae) Smith.
He was raised and educated in Oswego.
On September 17, 1949, he married his “angel on earth,” Geraldine “Gerry” Sheridan.
From this union came a very special cherished and devoted daughter.
Mr. Smith served his country proudly in the United States Army during World War II and was a former member of the Scriba VFW.
A master carpenter by trade, Wayne was known as a “jack of all trades” and he could fix almost anything whether it be electrical, plumbing or carpentry.
His friends always knew where to find a tool that they needed to borrow; they knew Wayne had it.
He at one time held a position with Service with Purvis in Oswego remodeling homes throughout the area.
Afterward, he became the owner/operator of Smith Construction, retiring at age 84 after many years of service.
Wayne had visited all 50 states and enjoyed telling stories of his experiences.
A loving husband, father and grandfather, he was most happy spending time with his family, friends and neighbors who affectionately called him “Pa.”
His daughter enjoyed their many fishing excursions they shared together.
His grandsons enjoyed going to work with Pa and his granddaughter looked forward to going out to breakfast at Wade’s Diner every Sunday after church.
Wayne was a longtime member of the Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church where he once served on the board.
Wayne is survived by his loving and loyal wife of 63 years, Geraldine “Gerry” (Sheridan) Smith; dedicated daughter and son-in-law, Joyce and John Connolly of Oswego; cherished grandchildren, Jason and Heidi Connolly of Oswego, Kristie Connolly of Syracuse and Steven Connolly of Oswego; precious, great-grandchildren, Olivia “Livi” Drake-Connolly, Blake Connolly, Brylea Connolly and Joselyn “Josie” Soper all of Oswego.
Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; in-laws, Grace Smith of Hannibal, Alfred “Ockie” and Beverly Sheridan of Michigan, Harold and Shirley West and Marvin Bailey all of Oswego.
He was predeceased by his brothers, Robert and Kenneth Smith; sister, Jeanette Goodway; brother-in-law, Robert Sheridan and sisters-in-law, Irene Bailey and Jacqueline Shear.
The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at the Michaud Residential Health Services, Rehabilitation Unit in Fulton, especially acknowledging Janice and Judy for their care and compassion offered to Wayne during his stay there; it will long be remembered by Wayne’s family.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Wayne’s funeral service and celebration of life which will commence on Friday at noon at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, 201 E. Sixth St.
Visitation will be held Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Nelson Funeral Home, 11 W. Albany St., Oswego.
Interment will take place at the convenience of the family.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Farone & Son Funeral Home, Syracuse, NY.
missing or outdated ad config
