Michael D. Smith Sr.

Saratoga Springs — Michael Donald Smith Sr. aka Black Cloud 68, died Friday, February 19, 2016 at home surrounded by his loving family following a long and courageous battle with sarcoma. Through it all Mike never once complained. Mike surprised us all with his determination, will and mindset on beating this horrible disease. Time and time again he defied the odds and pushed forward. Mike never lost his sense of humor or quick wit. Mike was full of laughter and jokes right to the end.
Born and raised in Albany, Michael was the son of late Robert and Mary (Prince) Smith. In his early years, Mr. Smith joined the Marines then followed in his father's footsteps and became a police officer for the City of Albany. He served the City of Albany proudly for over 21 years before retiring in 1993. During the course of his career Mike made many lifelong friends at APD. Many of whom gave him the famous nick name Black Cloud. His fellow officers were not only co-workers but became family to Mike. Over the years Mike worked many other jobs including Latham Beverage, Coca Cola and security for The Federal Building in Albany where he met his wife Pat. Mike was a simple man with little wants or needs other than his lotto tickets, a pack of Old Golds, a laugh and a Budweiser. He could light up a room with his smile and make anyone laugh and love him to pieces. Mike had a zest for life that few could compete with. He lived his life teaching others that there was nothing that couldn't be forgiven or a grudge held over. His famous line was "water off the back".
Michael was predeceased by his parents, Robert and Mary (Prince) Smith and his daughter Tina Marie Smith. He is the beloved husband of Patricia and loving father to Tricia, Alicia, Michael Jr. (Nancy), Sheila (Jim), Robert (Mikiyo) Katrina (Brian), Jerry (Bonnie) (Diane) and step father to Jennifer and Becky Walsh. He was the very proud grandfather to Christopher, Cierra, Kayla, Nicholas, Michael III, Romi, Emma, Abigail and Patrick. Brother of Robert (Myrna), Aileen, Maryanne and Kevin (Maureen). Brother in law to Betty (Bill) Jones. Mike was also the best of friends to Kevin Burke, Patty Farrell, Sue Miller, Ben Ozack, Tom Cornell, John Pariseau and Jerry Zimmerman. Special friend of Gudrin and Ray Barr. He is also survived by many cousins. Mike had a tremendous amount of friends, too many to name but each were very special and meant the world to him.
The family would like to give a special thanks to the Saratoga County Hospice especially his nurse Caroline, Dr. Ford, Kelly, Robin, Donna, Annette and Karen .
Visitation for Mike will be held on Thursday, February 25, 2016 from 2-6 pm at Blessed Sacrament Roman Catholic Church, 607 Central Ave., Albany, NY 12206. A Mass will follow visitation at 6 pm at Blessed Sacrament.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mike's name to the Community Hospice of Saratoga County, 179 Lawrence St, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 or St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.