Al Smith Memorial (2013)

Al Smith was Nancy's father and my father-in-law. Great man and a wonderful person to know.

Bethlehem Steel executive in Buffalo, NY and retired to Rushford, NY where he bought a house in the township to live year-round. But, Al Smith was no stranger to the area. His family had a lake house on Lake Rushford since the end of World War II. His extended family of first cousins and their children followed suit with additional lake houses until a considerable portion of the property around the lake hold the Smith family. He became known as the unofficial mayor of Rushford and the host of a huge Rushford Memorial Day Parade Watch Party from the front porch of his house. Nancy and I used to go every year. One year, I counted about 80 Smith cousins on his front porch eating a parade breakfast of Krisp Kream donuts and Starbucks coffee.

For the last year of his life, Al moved to Texas to escape the harsh Southern-Tier winters of Western New York due to his COPD.

Alfred E. Smith ("Uncle Al" to most, "Grandpa" or "Dad" to us) of Rushford, NY passed away on August 19, 2013; five days before his 85th birthday.

Al grew up in South Buffalo and went to St.Ambrose Church. He was in CYC at St. Ambrose and he met his wife there, Shirley Smith. Yes. she was a Smith before marrying Al.

Al attended St. Joseph's High School and graduated from Canisus College with a Master's degree in Accounting and Business Administration. Al and Shirley were married in May of 1953. Al was a member of Msgr. Nash Knights of Columbus #3875 in South Buffalo. He rose to Grand Knight in 1962. He spent many hours volunteering there helping with activities and meetings and such. Al worked for Bethlehem Steel Corporation for 33 years in the production and scheduling department. In 1958 Al bought his first house at 48 Pearl St in Blasdell, NY. He raised his family there. He was a member of Our Mother of Good Counsel parish in Blasdell and helped with ushering and other duties as asked. Al's parents Guenhilda Ann and Eugene Smith purchased a cottage in Rushford in 1946. Al spent most of his summers in Rushford with his family and brothers and sisters. He enjoyed swimming, boating, fishing, visiting friends and watching the NY Yankees, and the Buffalo Bills! Al moved to Rushford, NY in 1977. He retired from Bethlem Steel in 1983, spending time with family and friends, helping Father Jan at St. Marks in Rushford. Al and Father Jan were great friends! Al worked for Seko Logistics as Southern Tier Sales Representative from 1986-2005.

He will be greatly missed each day by all of us.

Al is survived by his sister Eleanor M. Smith; children Nancy (Bill) Anderton of Dallas TX, Greg (Marilyn) Smith of Rockwall TX, Barb (Ron) Frasco of Fort Collins CO; grandchildren, Robert Fleming of Irving TX, Austin Anderton of Dallas TX, Dylan Smith of Rockwall TX, TJ and Emily Frasco of Fort Collins CO; and great-grandson Nicholas Fleming of Irving TX. Also, a longtime friend and companion Lee Cobb predeceased him in 2012.