Mr. David W. Smith Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

NEW HARTFORD – Mr. David W. Smith, age 48, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, May 26, 2022, in the privacy and dignity of his home. David was born in Utica on September 8, 1973, to Mary Lou (Bailey) Smith and the late Roger E. Smith, Sr. He was a graduate of New Hartford High School/Class of 1991. David then pursued higher education by studying at Utica College and graduating with his BA in Business Administration. David enjoyed a prolific career in Automotive Sales. He was employed at Steet Toyota of Yorkville. There he worked under his mentor and favorite boss, Joe Steet, from whom David learned invaluable skills and knowledge of the trade. David always respected his boss and valued his time, but more importantly, David really enjoyed working with him. He also formed a cherished friendship with Theresa, whom he met while they were both working at Steet Toyota. Though a private and gentle person, David was also known for his ability to easily bust his friends’ chops. He was a smart man who valued his education and had a natural desire for knowledge—a thirst he quenched by reading non-fiction books every day. Additionally, David was a generous and kind-hearted man. This was made evident in the way he respected his elders, especially his grandparents, and in how he gladly fulfilled the duties of an older brother. When Roger Jr. was born with cerebral palsy, David went above and beyond to ensure he always felt loved and was safe. David and his father, Roger Sr., were best friends who talked daily. When Roger Sr. passed away in 2011, it left David with a piece of his heart missing. He had partaken in many enjoyable drives in dad’s red 1990 Mustang LX Notch. A sports enthusiast, David was a fan of the Buffalo Bills, the NY Rangers, and the #1 NY Yankees. Additionally, David loved music and attended various concerts, even getting to hang out with different members of his favorite band, Pearl Jam, on numerous occasions. David’s dad had been active in the Utica Youth Hockey, which had inspired David to success on the ice, especially as goalie. There were many fond memories made during David’s travel team trips to Canada. David had a soft spot for animals, and especially held in his heart and memory his dog, Corky. David was a member of the Republican Party in Albany, NY. He was an avid supporter of Donald Trump. David is survived by his mother, Mary Lou Smith; and his brother, Roger E. Smith, Jr. He will live on in the heart of his cousin and goddaughter, Lisa Marie and her husband Nelson Rodriguez. David will be fondly remembered by his aunts and uncles, Barbara Lynn Sowich, Laura “Maybell” Sparks, Bobby Smith and his wife Sandra Carney, and Leon Rhinehart. He is additionally survived by his godparents, Francis Guido and Judy Ann Spatuzzi-Speer. David leaves behind many cherished friendships, with special mention of his friends, Christopher Rajchel, Tom Tsouplis, Scott Mullin, Michael Tank, Eric Linder, his godson Jackson Rajchel, and the family K-9 Sandee. David was predeceased by his maternal grandparents, Clarence W. “Bill” and Marie A. (Guido) Bailey; and his paternal grandparents, Jane (Dziok) Smith and Robert H. and Lottie Smith; his uncles, Michael D. Sowich, and Terry Sparks; and his aunt, Linda Rhinehart. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend David’s Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life which will be held on Thursday morning, June 2, 2022 at 11:00 at St. Anthony and St. Agnes Church, 422 Tilden Ave. Entombment will follow in Resurrection Chapel Mausoleum at Holy Trinity Cemetery.

Mr. David W. Smith

September 8, 1973 - May 26, 2022