Gregory Emil Smith

He was born February 14, 1961 in Medina, NY, the deeply, beloved son of Adeline Panchenko Smith and the late Garra H. Smith.

He is survived and so sadly missed by his brother, Jeffrey D. (Charlene Murray) Smith, sisters, Judith K. Clonan-Smith and Kathleen G. Smith, dear-to-him nephew and nieces, Jeremiah G. (Julia Rotman) Smith, Guinevere E. (Alan) Panek and Jocelyn L. (Devin) Foran as well as his darling great nephews and nieces, Graham, Alannah, Dudley, Anwyn, Brenna, Eli and Grady.

Emil graduated from Medina High School in 1979 and attended Alfred Ag. & Tech. College to study Dairy Science and Niagara and Orleans Community Colleges for liberal arts. He worked for the family farm for many years and in trucking, but really found his passion after earning a welding certificate. Emil, who topped out at a big 6’4,” made sculptures inspired by local flora and fauna. He developed an interest in sculpting with the wish to memorialize his father with his iconic, Emil-scaled work, The Three Crosses, on the hill opposite the home farm. He treasured his friendships with the local artists who inspired and encouraged his work.

To know Emil, was to that understand that you were in the presence of a Talker whose active, inquisitive mind lead him to a broad range of subjects; telling anyone willing to listen ALL about the historic movements of the Celts, how the English language developed over time, exactly quote Shakespeare or operatic libretti or exactly how he was planning his next project. Emil’s interest and concern for community and lead him to run for county legislature and nearly beat the incumbent.

He enjoyed learning what other people were doing, traveling all over the area to stop at this farm stand, that diner or festival. Emil also was enthusiastic about his genealogy, especially all things Celtic, which lead him to the Highland games. He loved music, played the blues harp, sang opera solos in his beautiful baritone voice as he rode the tractor around the farm in Shelby Center or for sheer joy, yelling like Tarzan.

His family is sincerely, very grateful for all the love and compassionate acts from the community of friends and know many feel this loss too.

Calling hours will be held at the Alabama Full Gospel Fellowship, 5329 S. Gravel Rd., Medina, NY 14103: April 21, 2015, 2-4pm and 7-9pm, where the funeral will be held Wednesday at 1:00 PM with the Pastor, Rev. Russ Peters officiating. Burial will be in the Mount Pleasant Cemetery.