Mr. Ronald L. "Ron" Smith

UTICA - Mr. Ronald L. “Ron” Smith, age 86, passed away peacefully on Ash Wednesday, March 1, 2017 at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center surrounded by those who loved him most. Born in Utica on October 13, 1930, Ronald was the son of the late Leo F. and Ann (Piperata) Smith. He was a graduate of Utica Free Academy and attended MVCC where he focused his studies in drafting. He was always proud of how he excelled in his schooling. A veteran of the United States Navy, Ron served his country with honor during the Korean Conflict as a gunner’s mate stationed on the USS Fargo, and also on the destroyer USS Charles H. Roan. Blessed with good vocals and a musical bent, Ron performed in the U.S. Navy Band playing the trumpet, drums, and bass fiddle. On June 28, 1952 he married the former Theresa A. Cuccaro with whom he shared 64 years in a marriage graced with love, family, and time-honored values that they imparted to their children. Ron worked at the Kelsey-Hayes Company as an assembler. He later held a position as Service Manager at Rock’s Tire & Battery where he offered his knowledge to his co-workers and was well-respected by his patrons. In retirement, Ron worked at Basloe, Levin & Cuccaro Adjusters International where he was a valued member of their staff and a reliable asset to the company. Ron was gentle, mild-mannered, and good hearted and he loved with all his heart. He always had a positive perspective and received the greatest joys from the simple pleasures in life. He was always an optimistic thinker, an admirable trait that brought comfort to all. He protected and provided for his family, and when everyone was together, he was his happiest. He sat at the head of the table, telling the same jokes with the same enthusiasm, each time a little more embellished. Sundays were special days, and even in his illness, that day remained sacred. As a dad, hands down, he was a humble, honorable role model, proud of each of his children and their accomplishments. He was the go-between grandpa for his grandchildren, and they knew they could depend upon him to go to bat for them. They loved to be with him and captured his jovial nature on video. He never missed an event in their lives, and he loved it. Ron always supported local youth sports and in his earlier years he was proud to serve as a referee for basketball and an umpire for softball. When it came to sports, he knew the rules of the game, and was competitive in his own right. He was an enthusiastic golfer with a colorful vocabulary and a large group of family and friends who made up his golf group at Valley View Golf Course. Monday night bowling would be followed by friendly card games filled with fun and laughter. He also appreciated his membership with the Tau Phi Zeta. Ron was a Catholic at heart and honored the sacred rites and rituals of his religion. He thanked the Lord for sending him the wonderful girl he married and the blessing of children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who loved him and made him so proud. Ron loved life and the beautiful journey it was. Ron is survived by his beloved wife, Theresa; his children and their loves, Debra A. and Anthony A. Sardino of Camillus; Richard R. and Judianne (Balzano) Smith, and Sharon M. and Frank M. “Buddy” Indolfi, all of Utica; his grandchildren, Nicholas P. and Katherine Sardino, Kaylah and Mark Richardson; Justin Smith, Matthew Smith, and Adrienne Smith; Alexandra Terese Indolfi and fiance Thomas Giglio, and Jenna Indolfi; and his great-grandchildren, Ella, and Rosalie “Rosie” Sardino. He also leaves his nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins; in-laws, Carole Aulbach, Carl F. and Kathleen Cuccaro, Ronald A. and Sheila Cuccaro, and Mario Rocci, Sr.; and a host of loyal and lifelong friends. He also loved and was loved by his grand-dogs. He was predeceased by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Pasquale and Rose Cuccaro; and his sister-in-law, Marie Rocci. The family extends sincere appreciation to Ron’s physicians, the 4th floor Special Care staff as well as the ancillary caregivers at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center who provided love, compassion, and exceptional support to Ron and his loved ones; and Fr. Anthony LaFache for his spiritual guidance, constant support, and prayers. The family will honor and commemorate Ron’s life at a private time. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Ronald’s funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Monday afternoon at 1:30 at St. Joseph & St. Patrick Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Anthony P. LaFache with Military Honors conferred. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of Mass. Expressions of sympathy in the form of donations may be made to the Stevens- Swan Humane Society online at https://stevens-swan.org or Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc. online at http://www.hospicecareinc.org; envelopes will be available at the service. Interment will take place in St. Agnes Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mr. Ronald L. "Ron" Smith

October 13, 1930 - March 1, 2017