Ralph H. Smith

Ralph Harry Smith, 71, passed away Friday, March 1, 2019 at the VNA Hospice House in Vero Beach after a brief illness. Born August 22, 1947 in Albany, NY he was the son of the late RalphW. and Dorothy Mae (Battease) Smith. He was the beloved husband of Josephine A. "Pina" (Ieronimo) Smith for nearly 50 years. Cherished father of Michelle Eva Smith. Ralph was adored by the Ieronimo family as his in-laws considered him a son and brother. He is survived by a brother, Charles Smith of Albany, sister Patricia (Mark) Ulrich of Tennessee, nieces, nephews and cousins Flo and Larry Sanford, Ray and Sharon Smith that were more like siblings than cousins. He was the nephew of the late Uncle Raymond and Aunt Jean Smith.

Ralph graduated from Albany High School, class of 1965 and served in the US Marine Corps during the Vietnam War where he was awarded the Purple Heart. He worked many dedicated years in the General Mail Facility for the US Post Office in Albany, NY retiring in 2005. He was a member of the American Legion, VFW and the Tri County Council of Vietnam Veterans. Ralph loved his animals and his family.

His courage, unyielding strength and fierce love of his family and friends are what defined him. He will be remembered for his passion for music and singing always bringing joy to everyone who heard his amazing voice.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his calling hours on Wednesday, March 13, 2019 from 4 to 7 p.m. at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 343 New Karner Road, Colonie, New York 12205. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, March 14, 2019 at 10 a.m. at Christ Our Light Catholic Church, 1 Maria Drive, Albany, New York 12211. Entombment with full military honors will be held in Memory Gardens, Colonie, New York.

In lieu of flowers donations in is memory can be made to The Florida Humane Society, 3870 North Powerline Road, Pompano, FL 33073 or the National Kidney Foundation Finance Dept, 30 East 33rd Street, New York, NY 10016.