Ronald F. Smail

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Ronald F. Smail, 88 of East Greenbush, was born in Natrona Heights Pennsylvania and moved with his family to Latham, New York as a teenager.

Ron passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 30, 2024 with Laura, his loving daughter, by his side. Ron was the son of the late Julian and Thelma June Smail. He is predeceased by his dear wife, Mamie Ford. He is survived by his daughters Laura (Mike) Hickey and Sherri Lockwood; his brothers David (Vicki) Smail, Alan (Barbara) Smail and sister Linda Lillo-Norman and his beloved Uncle Louis (Mary Ann) Walter. He is Poppy to his grandchildren: Ronald, Vincent, Crystal, and Yusef and great granddaughter Izzy. He is also survived by many nephews and nieces.

Ron was a man of character and kindness with a charming, wonderful smile. With an amazing sense of humor. His gifts and talents were many. He loved music and playing the organ. He was a master storyteller with a remarkable memory for timing and detail…. Sharing life experiences over decades or sharing his love of history with remarkable flair. He was a talented painter and artist in various mediums.

Ron was a true outdoorsman who found joy in sharing his love for hunting, fishing, camping, canoeing, hiking and skiing with his father and siblings. He was happy to share stories of his adventures and teach others along the way. His love of football was legendary. Ron served in the US Army and delighted in playing on the football team — Go Army ! Go Steelers! He truly enjoyed the game of pool, especially with his brothers.

A loving father and provider who put himself last and was never one to complain. He spoke daily of how grateful he was for his family and how much he loved them. He had a natural way of making other people feel comfortable and welcome. He was a leader of men from an early age, including becoming captain of the Albany High football team the very first year he joined. For over 25 years he lead construction crews from the local 190 Union and remarked, he always loved his job.

Ron was a man of deep faith and enjoyed a personal relationship with Jesus Christ…. A relationship that sustained him throughout this life. We are comforted in knowing he was received into eternal life into the arms of our Savior.

Visiting hours will be held at New Comer Cremations & Funerals - Latham Chapel, 181 Troy Schenectady Rd., Watervliet, New York on Saturday April 6, 2024 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 3:00 pm Immediately following visitation. Internment at Gerald B H Solomon, Saratoga National Cemetery will be scheduled for a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations may be made in Ron's memory to Birds in Helping Hands at www.birdsinhelpinghands.org

To share a memory of Ronald or leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.