Sidney Smerznak

COLONIE- Sidney Steven Smerznak, 84, passed away at his home on Feb. 08, 2010.
Born in Syracuse, N.Y. he was the son of the late Sydor Smerznak and Tillie (Tekla Karapin) Smerznak. Mr. Smerznak is predeceased by his three sisters of Syracuse, Jean Kindler, Virginia Schultz, and Doris Smoral. Sid was raised in Syracuse, attended Nottingham HS, received a Bachelor of Science degree from Syracuse University in 1948, and a Master of Social Science degree from the University of Buffalo in 1956.
Sid was a veteran of WWII serving in the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers of Topographic Geodetic Computer in the mapping services. After military service and attendance at Syracuse University, he became a child welfare caseworker in Onandoga County later becoming employed with NYDS Dept. of Social Services in Child Welfare area office. He progressed through the ranks to become an administrator in different divisions within the Dept., including area office assignments.
After serving as Deputy Executive Director with the NYS Board of Social Welfare he finalized his public career in the NYS Health Dept. in Albany as Special Assistant to the Commissioner retiring from State service in 1980.
Mr. Smerznak volunteered his services at the Retired Public Employees Association in Albany where he served in various capacities including Executive Director, President, and Board member from 1982-2010. He also became a Board member of the Syracuse University Alumni Club of the Capital District in 1995 until 2007. He was Chair of its membership committee, where he helped increase membership annually.
Sid was a member of the American Legion and several charitable organizations dealing with the environment, U.S. history, health issues among other endeavors. He loved fishing, tinkering in mechanics, home repair and renovation, and gardening especially at the family cottage on Cossayuna Lake.
Mr. Smerznak leaves behind his devoted wife Ann Elizabeth (Young) Smerznak, two sons, Adam and Scott Smerznak, two daughters Kim Eruysal and Lorene DiBiase, six grandchildren, Stephanie and Andrea Smerznak, Emily and Taylor Eruysal, Leah, and Alexa DiBiase, great grandson Vincent Livreri and several nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited and may call on Wednesday from 4 to 7 pm. at New Comer Cannon Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Rd. Colonie. Funeral services will be Thursday at 10:00 at the funeral home with military honors to follow at Saratoga National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one's choice. To leave a special message for the family online, visit NewcomerAlbany.com.