Richard L. Smith

Richard L. Smith, 89, of Cincinnatus, NY, passed away at his daughter’s home on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, while surrounded by his loving family.

Born in the Town of Triangle, NY on December 18, 1933, Richard was the son of the late Walter and Dorothy Baker Smith.  A longtime resident of this area, he was a 49-year member of the First Baptist Church of Cincinnatus where he served as a Deacon and Sunday School Teacher.  Richard spent 42 plus years in education, as a teacher, principal and finally superintendent.  He began his career at Lafayette Central School, Whitney Point Central School and Maine-Endwell Central School before returning to Whitney Point Central School where he spent 24 more years as the high school principal, assistant to the superintendent and ultimately serving as superintendent for his final year in education.  After his “so-called” retirement, he spent three years as the principal for the Cincinnatus Christian Academy, grades K-12.  A job he loved most of all, especially the elementary grades.  He also served as a substitute teacher at the Cincinnatus Central School when needed.

He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Janice L. (Carter) Smith; and their four children, Debra (Jeffrey) Blanchard of Pitcher, Kelly (Chet) Price of Salem, MO, Jeffrey D. (Kelly) Smith of Licking, MO, and Jeremy D. (Heather) Smith of Powhaten, VA.  He also leaves behind 11 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; a sister, Joanne (Melvin) Bowman of Castle Creek; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sisters, Lucy Crolius and Marna Chapman.

Funeral services will be held at the First Baptist Church of Cincinnatus on Saturday, April 1, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. with Pastors Mark Brown, Larry King, and David Perrott officiating.  Burial will be in Willet Cemetery at a later date.  The family will be present to receive friends at the church on Saturday from 11:00 a.m. until the beginning of the funeral service at 1:00 p.m.  Expressions of sympathy in memory of Richard may be directed to the First Baptist Church of Cincinnatus, 2608 Baptist Avenue, Cincinnatus, NY 13040.