An only child, he was predeceased by his parents Robert Karl, Sr., and Clara (Burlingame) Smith. He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Sandra (Plisk), son Jeffrey (Jean) Smith, and daughter Penny (Craig) Mabee; grandchildren Nicholas (Erin), Lauren, Alexander (Nancye), Timothy and Carrie Smith, and Rob Mabee; great-grandchildren Charlie and Lillian Smith and Anderson Jenkins.
Bob was born January 28, 1931, in Champaign, IL, while his father attended grad school. The family returned to Corning, NY, when he was one year old, so he considered himself a Corning native. He graduated from Corning Northside High School in 1949. He spent many summers at his parent’s cottage on Keuka Lake which they purchased in 1948. Early in his senior year at Alfred University, he enlisted in the US Army and served three years during the Korean Conflict at Vint Hill Farms National Security Agency outside of Washington, DC. After his discharge he completed his degree at Alfred, graduating with the class of 1956 (though he considered himself a member of the class of 1953, the class with which he began). He worked for NY State Department of Labor for 27 years as a Counselor and then an Employment Service Representative. In 1965, the Smith family moved from Corning to Chenango Bridge. Bob loved sports. He refereed high school basketball for 10 years and in later years was a B-Mets season ticket holder for 20 years. His longest sporting eandeavor was golfing at Genegantslet Golf Course, where he was a member for about 50 years, and enjoyed golfing in the Thursday Night league with longtime golf partner, Pete McLean. In his retirement he traveled to New Zealand, Hawaii, and Tahiti, and spent 24 winters in Winter Haven, FL.
The family would like to thank Lourdes Hospice for the wonderful support they offered which made it possible for his family to honor his final wishes and would especially like to thank “Mindy” for her exceptional care and compassion.
At Bob’s request, there will be no services.
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