Michael E. Smith

July 24, 2010

Calling hours will be 1 to 3 and 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, July 26, at Cleveland Funeral Home, Watertown. A memorial service will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 27, at St. Anthony’s Church, Watertown, with the Rev. Donald Robinson officiating.   

SACKETS HARBOR, N.Y.  —  Michael E. Smith, 69, of 328 Dodge Ave., died Friday, July 23, at his home under the care of his family and Hospice of Jefferson County.    

Born Nov. 4, 1940, in Syracuse, the son of Joseph and Genevieve Parfitt Smith, he graduated from St. Michael’s College, with bachelor's of arts degree, and from Syracuse University with a master's of arts degree.   

Mr. Smith was a teacher early in his career, later becoming superintendent of schools for both Copenhagen and Altmar-Parish Central Schools.  He was also an assistant principal for both Wiley Elementary School and Watertown High School. 

He was a member of the International Reading Association, NYS Reading Association, and the local Reading council. He was also a member of the Association for Supervisors and Curriculum Development, American Association of School Administrators, and Phi Delta Kappa fraternity. 

He married Terese Mooney on Aug. 28, 1965, in Syracuse.  

He loved golf, spearmint leaf candy, jazz, blues, laughter, the company of good friends, a good story and a well mixed stinger.  

He was a kind, patient, loving man who dedicated his life to his family and helping others.

Surviving are his wife Terese; three daughters and two son-in-law, Kathleen and Brian Hirschey, Sackets Harbor, Tracyanne Smith, Adams, and Meggan Anne and Michael Lavarnway, Sackets Harbor; a brother, Anthony Smith; five sisters and two brothers-in-law, Rosemary and John Lotito, Elizabeth and William Nesspor, Margaret Wallingford, Christine Helmer, and Constance Henry; two grandchildren, Evan K. Hirschey and Sinclaire J. Pelton; several nieces, nephews and cousins.  

A brother, Stephen Smith, and a sister, Laurie Smith, both died before him. 

Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Hospice of Jefferson County, 425 Washington St, Watertown, NY 13601.