Obituary of Gerald E. Smith

Gerald E. "Gerry" Smith, 84, of Camillus, New York and a longtime resident of "The Valley" in Syracuse, New York, died Friday, February 17, 2006 at Van Duyn Home & Hospital, Onondaga Hill, New York. Gerald was born September 10, 1921 in Syracuse, New York, the son of William and Nellie (Waterman) Smith. He retired in 1972 as the CEO of Flor-Wall Distributors and from the US Army National Guard after 20 years. He was a member of St. Paul?s United Methodist Church where he sang in the church choir. He was a member of American Legion Valley Post 1468 and a volunteer at the American Red Cross as a military liaison. He enjoyed golfing and was well-versed in WWII history. He was an avid sports fan, particularly of Syracuse University football and basketball. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Violet Case Smith in 1997 and a daughter, Constance Smith Sinclair in 1980. Gerry is survived by his second wife, Eva Strong Schwab Smith; two daughters, Susan (Fredric) Jakes of Skaneateles, New York and Terri (Harold) Ferguson of Seneca Falls, New York; one step-daughter, Diane (Edward) Bronson of Elbridge, New York; a son-in-law, Donald (Nancy) Sinclair of Punta Gorda, Florida; two stepsons, Richard (Barbara) Schwab of East Syracuse, New York and Dr. Stephen (Kathy) Schwab of Elbridge, New York; 12 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren. Services: Monday, February 20, 2006, 1:00 p.m. in St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 2200 Valley Drive, Syracuse, New York. Burial: Onondaga County Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 4069 Howlett Hill Road, Syracuse, New York. Calling Hours: Sunday, February 19, 2006, 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Ballweg & Lunsford Funeral Home, Inc., 4612 S. Salina Street, Syracuse, New York. Contributions: American Red Cross, 220 Herald Place, Syracuse, New York 13202 or to St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 2200 Valley Drive, Syracuse, New York 13207