John "Red" R. Smith

Colonie - John “Red” R. Smith 87, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 14, 2024 at his residence, surrounded by his loving family.

On December 19th, 1936, Alfred and Gertrude Van Alstyne-Smith of Albany welcomed a son, John Raymond “Jack”, to their growing family.  They later moved the happy family to Colonie, where John lived for the rest of his life.  It was there that he met his future wife, Carole Edie, later marrying her in 1957.  Carole and Red welcomed children Dawn, Theresa, Stephen, and Amy.

Over the years, they built a tight-knit family group. Traveling was always an important part of family life, lovingly referring to themselves as the JRS Club.  The Traveling Club enjoyed camping, hiking, having fun around the fire, taking museum trips, and sharing adventures around the country.  In later years, Red and Carole enjoyed Bed and Breakfasts around the US, Canada, and Europe.

Over the years, Red worked for Don Thomas’ Shell Station, Albany County jail guard and Colonie Village senior service van driver.  But most people in Colonie, including thousands of students, knew him as Mr. Smith, aka Red, the kind and friendly school bus driver.  Beginning in 1961, John drove a school bus for South Colonie School District. His legendary dedication to the students, teachers, and families extended over 50 years.

Red was the ultimate DYI’er, taking on projects of all kinds and sizes.  Nothing was too much for him when helping family and friends.  “No” was not a word in his vocabulary.

He was committed to staying healthy and walking every day.  Always a Colonie boy, Cook Park served as his favorite haunt. He and Carole loved taking care of their home and spent hours in the garden, finishing each day with nightly tea and ice cream.  Red always followed the latest events, politics, sports (his Buffalo Bills), soccer, and music.

Most important to Red, though, was his loving family.  Dawn (Michael) Przekurat, Theresa Smith (Arnie Buell), Stephen (Paula) Smith, and Amy (Dan) Machold stood by their father to the end of his journey.  He was loved by his grandchildren: Jamie (Dave) King, Jason (Candy) Bond, Morgan Przekurat, and Nicholas Przekurat. He lived to enjoy great-grandchildren Jaxon and Penny Bond, and Asha King.  Uncle Red was loved by an army of admiring nieces and nephews.  He is survived by his siblings, Brother Alfred Smith C.M., and his sister Marylou Brown.  He is also survived by his in-laws, Arlene Lent, June, and John Mabee.  He was pre-deceased by his loving grandson, James Bond III. He is also pre-deceased by siblings Ann Dott and Robert Smith.

Red leaves behind a legacy of love and caring just days from his 88th birthday. Red “fought the good fight; he finished the race and kept the faith’. (2 Timothy)

He leaves behind an adoring family and now rejoins Carole, the love of his life. His was a life well lived.  Thank God for Red Smith.

Funeral services will be on Thursday afternoon at 1:00 at Cannon Funeral Home, 2020 Central Ave., Colonie. Relatives and friends are invited to gather and visit at the funeral home with Red’s family from 11 to 1pm, prior to the service.

In keeping with Red’s caring nature, please consider donations to his brother, Alfred Smith’s foundation, Inndwelling.org. Inspiring gifted, at-risk urban students to lead successful lives and become positive role models. Or to Community Hospice of Albany, 310 S. Manning Blvd. Albany NY 12208. To leave a message of condolence for the family, visit www.CannonFuneral.com