Mr. Donald B Smith

June 18, 1924 - March 2, 2014

Donald B Smith, beloved father and grandfather, died peacefully Sunday morning, March 2, 2014, at St. Joseph's Hospital, Syracuse, after a short illness. Born in Cortland, NY on June 18, 1924, Donald grew up in Groton and Freeville, graduated from Cascadilla High School in Ithaca and attended Syracuse University. He was a World War II veteran of the Army Air Corps and served in Europe as a DC3 flight engineer. One of his proudest contributions was his service as a member of Justice Robert Jackson's fight crew during the Nuremburg War Crimes Tribunal. Donald worked for many years as a packaging engineer with Smith Corona in Groton and South Cortland, and later as an underwriter for the Prudential Insurance Company in Cortland where he retired in 1980. Donald was a member of the VFW Dryden, NY Post #8158, and the Gem and Mineralogical Society of Syracuse. He was an avid genealogist and was actively involved with Boy Scouting. He especially enjoyed his time at the RSVP Information Booth and the Senior and Four-Score Clubs of Cortland. Donald was predeceased by his wife, Catherine ("Kay") of 61 years, his parents Frances and Mary Smith, brother Darrell Smith and daughter-in-law Carla C. Smith. He is survived by his sister, Shirley Hulslander (Robert) of Freeville, as well as his three children: Stephen M. Smith of Little Falls, Diane S. Chu (Donald) of Laurel, MD, and Sheila S. Morrell (Douglas) of Long Valley, NJ, and five grandchildren Andrew Smith (Jamie), Alessandra Miller (Ben), Philip Chu, Joan Chu, and Judy Morrell. In addition, he has many nieces, nephews, and cousins by the dozens who continue to carry on his memory. A memorial Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, March 7th at St. Mary's Church. Calling hours will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. on Thursday at Riccardi Funeral Home, 69 N. Main Street. Donations in Donald's memory can be made to: the Cortland Free Library, St. Mary's School, or the Wickwire Pool Fund (in care of the Cortland Youth Bureau, 35 Port Watson Street).