Richard P. Smith

NISKAYUNA – Richard P. Smith, 73, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 6, 2018 surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Schenectady, he was the son of the late Edward Pierce Smith and Margaret Cross Smith and was a 1963 graduate of Mont Pleasant High School. Richard served in the US Air Force from 1964 through 1968 as a Medical Corpsman and received the Commander’s Citation, Awards, and an Honorable Discharge.  He continued service in Aero Medical Evacuation at 109th Tactical Air National Guard Base, Stratton Air Force Base.

Richard received his BA degree in English Literature from the University at Albany and his name is listed on their Wall of Honor for military service.  He completed overseas study at Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland where he completed studies in literature and James Joyce.  He also attended Junior College of Albany and Bryant Stratton School of Business. He completed temporary certification in education at Excelsior College.

Richard began his legislative career in 1972 as a research assistant to the Executive Counsel, Philip Bisceglia, Clerk to the Assembly Rules Committee for the Speaker of the Assembly, Perry Duryea.  In 1974, he was a Computer Editor for the Legislative Bill Drafting Commission. After 24 years of legislative service, he worked with securities and insurance companies, but he decided education was his true passion. He loved his profession as an educator and followed his teaching dreams as a “regular” substitute teacher in the Guilderland School District for 11 years where he taught his favorite classes English, Social Studies but would always try his mind and hand in other subjects.  He served as a poll inspector for Schenectady County Board of Elections for several years and enjoyed working summers at the Saratoga Race Course.

Richard enjoyed music, theater, history, sports, traveling, sailing his Dana K, but reading and writing were his most favorite pleasures. He often reminisced about his fun experience portraying a minor role in the movie “The Way We Were”  filmed at Union College.  He was an amazing conversationalist, intellectual, and brought many a chuckle or two with his quick wit.  He is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Diane Betros Smith; his beloved son, Stephen Patrick, his sisters Helene Smith, Loretta Smith-Marco (Joseph), sister-in-law Joyce Betros, Marie Betros Dow (Warren) and brother-in-law Stephen Betros (Joanne), several nieces, nephews, and cousins, and dear friends Fred Cox and Harry (Butchie) McGuire.

Funeral services will be Monday morning at 8:15 at Cannon Funeral Home, 2020 Central Ave. Colonie then to St. Luke’s Church, 1235 State St. Schenectady at 9:00 where the Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will follow at the Saratoga National VA Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Richard’s family on Sunday from 2 to 5 pm at the Cannon Funeral Home. Please consider memorial contributions in Richard’s name to NYOH Community Cancer Foundation, 449 Route 146, Suite 101, Clifton Park, NY 12065 or the Children’s Hospital at Albany Medical Center, 43 New Scotland Ave., Albany, NY 12208. To leave a message of condolence for the family or to order flowers, visit www.CannonFuneral.com