Richard L. Smith

Richard L. Smith, 69, of the Town of Niagara, passed away on Wednesday, July 31, 2019 at the Buffalo V.A. Medical Center, surrounded by his loving family.  Born on August 22, 1949 in Niagara Falls, NY, he was the son of the late Glen and Ruby (Horn) Smith and the step-son of the late Alice Smith.  On September 25, 1971, Rick as he was known to family and friends, married Karen A. Swartz.

Rick was a lifelong area resident and attended local schools.  He proudly served in the United States Army, during the Vietnam War, from December 30, 1966 until his honorable discharge on November 17, 1969 and fulfilled his reserve obligations on December 29, 1972.  He retired from Olin, where he was employed as a millwright.

In addition to his wife, Rick is survived by children, Christina (Jeffrey) Ambrosia, Gregory (fiancé, Chandra Santiago) Smith, Michelle Cole and Melanie (Kevin) Finnegan; grandchildren, Alicen, Dylan, Jacob, Joseph, Morgan “Milo”, Logan, Christopher, Emma, Jack, Jaysen and Lucia; a sister, Patricia (Calvin) Pfohl; step-brothers, Duane (Karen) Ferchen and Neil Ferchen; Rick’s supportive in-laws, the Swartz family and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family will be present to receive friends on Friday (TODAY) from 4-8 p.m. in the Chapel of OTTO REDANZ FUNERAL HOME, 2215 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY, where a funeral service will held on Saturday, August 3rd at 10:00 a.m. with Rev. Laura Norris-Buisch officiating.  Prayers of committal and interment, concluding with military honors, will follow in Niagara Falls Memorial Park Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorial offerings may be made to a veterans charity of one’s choice. Arrangements are under the direction of Michael R. Goodlander.  Please visit www.goodlandercares.com for online condolences or to send a gift to the family.

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