Kenneth Earl Smith, Jr.

Kenneth Earl “Smitty” Smith, Jr., 75, of Niagara Falls, passed away on Sunday, April 24, 2016, as peacefully as he lived his life, with his beloved wife of twenty-two years, Mary (Halliday) Smith, by his side.  Born on September 23, 1940, in Niagara Falls, NY, he was the son of the late Kenneth Earl Smith, Sr. and the late Gertrude (Rhoney) Smith and the step-son of Dorothy O. Smith of Wheatfield, NY. 

Kenny, as he was known to most family and friends, was a lifelong resident of Niagara Falls, NY.  He attended local schools and graduated from Niagara Falls High School, in 1948. On April 21, 1994, Kenny married the former Mary Halliday.  He was employed by Carbide Graphite, until he retired in 2001.  Kenny enjoyed bowling, going to the casino and eating out, especially on his “Como Wednesday Nights”, with his most special friends, who were like family.

In addition to his loving wife, Kenny is survived by three children, Melinda Smith, Michelle Genovese and Marla (Jeremy) Warner; two step-sons, Stephen (Kim) Halliday and Michael Halliday; five grandchildren, Ashley (Thomas) Tedesco, Dominick Justiana and Cynthia, Cristin and Caitlin Halliday, as well as, two great-grandchildren, Tyler Tedesco and Gemma Justiana.  He is also survived by four siblings, Richard (Susan) Smith, Robert (Mary Jane) Smith, William (Vicki) Smith and Gretchen (Paul) Brown; his aunt, Irma (late Edward) Rhoney; brothers-in-law, James, Robert (Sherry), Thomas (Cindy) and George Halliday and several nieces, nephews and cousins.  In addition to his parents, Kenny was predeceased by his only son, Kenneth Earl Smith, III and two nephews, Derek Smith and Andrew Halliday.  

Visitation will be on Thursday from 3-7 p.m. in the Chapel of OTTO REDANZ FUNERAL HOME, in the Town of Niagara, where a funeral service will be held on Friday, April 29th at 10:00 a.m.  Interment will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lewiston, NY.  In lieu of flowers, contributions in celebration of Kenny's life can be made to Niagara Hospice House, 4675 Sunset Drive, Lockport, NY 14094 or to SPCA of Niagara, 2100 Lockport Road, Niagara Falls, NY 14304.  Read Kenny's obituary, sign his guest book and light a candle at www.ottoredanz.com