In Memory Of
Owen E. Smith, Jr.
1931
2021
Owen E. Smith, Jr.
December 15, 1931 — May 10, 2021
Owen E. Smith, Jr., 89, of Guilderland passed away at home on May 10, 2021 after a long illness. Born in Hempstead, Long Island, New York, he was the son of Owen Edward Sr. and Sadie Smith.
Owen served in the US Navy Reserve submarine service briefly as a young man. He then earned a bachelor's and a master's degree from SUNY Albany. Owen taught high school and middle school geography, English and social studies for many years in New York State, at Richfield Springs; Ellenville; and Ravena Coeymans Selkirk, retiring in 1987.
In his early teaching days he always had a summer job, first mechanic at a Flying A gas station, then health inspector for the Ulster County Department of Health. He also worked as a field representative for New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) for three years in the 1970s. He and his wife Derilda ran an antique business post-retirement, and Owen was an avid bridge player and fast car aficionado.
Owen is survived by his wife of 14 years, Maryalice O'Brien-Smith of Guilderland; a daughter, Claire (David) Smith of Brussels, Belgium; a grandson, Owen Yamauchi of Boston, MA; a daughter, Laurel Dawson of Radcliff, KY; a granddaughter, Katie Dawson of Monroe, LA and many good friends.
He was preceded in death by his first wife of 50 years, Derilda Fennell Smith; his son, Owen Edward Smith III; as well as his parents and his sister, Janet Smith Ertel.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Church in Troy, NY on Monday, May 17, at 11 AM. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, masks must be worn in church and social distancing protocols observed.
Owen served in the US Navy Reserve submarine service briefly as a young man. He then earned a bachelor's and a master's degree from SUNY Albany. Owen taught high school and middle school geography, English and social studies for many years in New York State, at Richfield Springs; Ellenville; and Ravena Coeymans Selkirk, retiring in 1987.
In his early teaching days he always had a summer job, first mechanic at a Flying A gas station, then health inspector for the Ulster County Department of Health. He also worked as a field representative for New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) for three years in the 1970s. He and his wife Derilda ran an antique business post-retirement, and Owen was an avid bridge player and fast car aficionado.
Owen is survived by his wife of 14 years, Maryalice O'Brien-Smith of Guilderland; a daughter, Claire (David) Smith of Brussels, Belgium; a grandson, Owen Yamauchi of Boston, MA; a daughter, Laurel Dawson of Radcliff, KY; a granddaughter, Katie Dawson of Monroe, LA and many good friends.
He was preceded in death by his first wife of 50 years, Derilda Fennell Smith; his son, Owen Edward Smith III; as well as his parents and his sister, Janet Smith Ertel.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Church in Troy, NY on Monday, May 17, at 11 AM. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, masks must be worn in church and social distancing protocols observed.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Owen E. Smith, Jr., please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Mass of Christian Burial
Monday, May 17, 2021
Starts at 11:00 am (Eastern time)
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