Obituary of Melvin B. Smith

Mr. Melvin B. Smith, 82, of Mohawk Street, Fort Plain, New York died, Monday, July 26, 2010 at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester. Born on January 1, 1928 in New Cumberland, PA, he was the son of Harold Smith and Florence Ford Smith. He was a lifetime area resident and a graduate of Fort Plain High School. Mr. Smith served in the U.S. Air Force from 1946 to 1949, obtaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. Mel worked at local area businesses after his service in the U.S. Air Force as Control Tower Operator. He worked for Bauder Gas and Electric, Geeslers, Stewart & Bergen Hardware Company, and Lloyds Building Supply, where he designed kitchens and later retired from. Mel was also employed at Harvey Triumpho Insurance Sales as an Insurance Salesman part time. He was a member of the Fort Plain Reformed Church. Mr. Smith was past Master of the Fort Plain Masonic Lodge #433. He was an avid artist, painting using both acrylic and oil based paint. He enjoyed hunting and fishing. He loved his family and took great interest in his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He married to Shirley M. Fox in 1950. Together they celebrated more than 60 years of marriage. Mel was predeceased by a son, Christopher H. Smith in 1999; sister, Aileen Dittemore and brother, Harold S. Smith. Mr. Smith is survived by his wife, Shirley M. Smith of Fort Plain, NY; son, Bruce and Marie Smith of Fort Plain, NY; daughter, Deborah and Kurt Terrell of Hartwick, NY; daughter-in-law, Lorraine Smith of Canajoharie, NY; 5 grandchildren, Chad Smith, Michelle Blakeslee, Jessica Terrell, Austin Terrell, Jason Smith; 6 great-grandchildren, Christopher Smith, Maddie Smith, Summer Roselli, Trent Blakeslee, Peyton Blakeslee, Tori Rose Blakeslee; and several nieces and nephews.