Howard "Smitty" Robert Smith

Howard “Smitty” Robert Smith, 86, of McGraw, NY, passed away on Wednesday, November 6, 2019, at Wilson Memorial Hospital, Johnson City, NY.

Smitty was born in Cuyler, NY, on December 19, 1932, the son of the late John and Florence Bennett Smith.  A lifetime resident of the area, he was a 50 plus year member and past captain of the McGraw Fire Department.  He retired from the McGraw Central School after 27 years of service and had proudly served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict.  Smitty was known by many and will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

He is survived by several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great-nieces, great-great-nephews, and cousins.  He also leaves behind a sister-in-law, Doris Smith of Moravia.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brothers, Harold and Leo; and his sisters, Alice Heath and Jessie Baker.

Funeral services for Smitty will be held at the K.L. Sharp Funeral Home, Cincinnatus, NY, on Monday, November 11, 2019, at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Bob Lindley officiating.  Burial will be in Cole Hill Cemetery, Beaver Meadows, NY.  The family will be present to receive friends at the funeral home on Monday from 11:00 a.m. until the start of the service at 1:00 p.m.  Expressions of sympathy in memory of Smitty may be directed to the McGraw Fire Department, 7 W. Center Street, McGraw, NY 13101. 

There will be a gathering at the McGraw Community Center at 3:00 p.m. immediately following the burial at Cole Hill Cemetery.  All are welcome.  Please bring a dish-to-pass.