Robert Joseph "Rocndog" Smith Jr.

Mr. Robert Joseph “Rocndog” Smith, Jr., age 77, passed away on his birthday, September 7, 2013 at the Focus Rehabilitation & Nursing Center at Utica. Born in Utica on September 7, 1936, Robert was the son of the late Robert Joseph, Sr. and Gladys (Clyne) Smith. He was raised and educated locally. A veteran of the United States Army, he proudly and honorably served his country. On February 6, 1970 he married the former Katherine Diffey-Deveans. At one time, Robert worked at Bossert Manufacturing and also for the City of Utica as an engineer and also in the Parks Department. He was a member of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Knights of Columbus, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles Club/Aerie 97. He was a communicant of Historic Old St. John’s Church. Robert is survived by his wife, Katherine; his step-children, Karen Marie and her husband Timothy Goppert of FL. Always close to his heart were the memories of his daughter, Kathy Ann Marrotta, who passed away on March 6, 2004, and her fiancé Anthony C. Siriani, Jr. who passed on January 7, 2005; Mary Ann Deveans, and Michael Deveans; his grandchildren, Ashley Marrotta, Christopher Marrotta, Tyler Goppert, Alexandra Goppert, and Matthew Siriani; and his 4 great-grandchildren. Also left to mourn his passing are his sisters and brothers-in-law, Floranne “Flo” and Robert McCraith, Bernadette “Dette” and Harold Kaffka, Kathy Luke, and Elizabeth “Lisa” Miller; his brother and sister-in-law, Bernard “Bernie” (twin brother of “Dette”) and Dolores Smith; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, in-laws Mary Monetta Knight, Robert Joseph Diffey, and Judith Ann Nesbit; and his goddaughter Nadine. He was predeceased by his in-laws, Dolores Dowdle, Thomas Spurior Diffey, Thomas Gerald “Jerry” Diffey, Richard Eugene Diffey, Agnes Smith, and Myles Miller. The family is grateful to Robert’s special friend, Lillian Mazurowski, for her loving support and care. Visitation will be held Friday from 11:00-12:00 noon at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Robert’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Friday afternoon at 1:00 at Historic Old St. John’s Church where his Mass of Christian Burial with Military Honors will be offered by Rev. John Buehler. Entombment will take place in Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum at the convenience of the family.

Robert Joseph "Rocndog" Smith Jr.

September 7, 1936 - September 7, 2013