Fredrick Richard Smart Jr.

Frederick “Rick” Richard Smart, Jr.passed away on July 6, 2023 after a decline in health and the loss of his beloved wife, Pat, in October 2022. Rick was born on June 19, 1945 in Ada, Oklahoma to parents Frederick Richard Smart and Norma Lucille (Hall) Smart. He graduated from State University of New York, Albany with a B.A. and M.S. He married Patricia Ann Finin on October 12, 1969 in Albany, NY . They had one child, Jennifer, born December 1971.

After retiring from his early career as an engineer at Hyuck Felt Co., where he earned a patent in 1983, and his later career as founder and co-owner of a data management company, Brigar, Rick began collecting and refurbishing antique clocks and pocket watches. He saw a need for his new skill in his community, became the “Clock Doctor” and would make house calls.

Based in Averill Park, NY and Sanibel Island, Fl, Rick loved to fish, sail, read and make things. He earned his captains license and sailed around the Caribbean and Greece with Pat, friends and family. On land, he made beautiful, useful things; a drafting table for Pat and a clockmakers bench were some of his best pieces. Later in life, he dove deep into genealogy and, with help from numerous new connections, started piecing together his family history. Rick and Pat relocated to San Diego, CA in 2013 to be closer to their daughter and grandchildren.

Rick is survived by his only daughter, Jennifer (Smart) Blackwell, her husband Josh Blackwell and three grandchildren, Charlie (2003), Nate (2006), and Ellie (2012).

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.encinitaschapel.com for the Smart family.