Gerald J. Smilgin

1940 – 2021

THE MAN, THE MYTH, THE LEGEND

Gerald Joseph Smilgin, SMIL, 80, of 1005 Judson Street Road, Canton, passed away on

January 3rd, 2021. He blew the final whistle at his home that he loved with his family by his

side. He was the son of Joseph and Helen Zelon Smilgin of Amsterdam, New York.

He is survived by his wife, Carol (Rowe), his children, Kelly Fielding Baker and her husband

Steve, Cary, NC; Danielle Fielding Gray and her husband Patrick, Potsdam, NY; Heather

Fielding Pharo and her husband John, Spencerport, NY; Jennifer Gifford and her husband

Joseph, Delhi, NY; Carrie Smilgin and Polly Murphy both of Canton, NY; eleven

grandchildren, Baileigh and Delaney Baker; Madison, Connor, and Mason Gray; Gavin and

Gage Pharo; Benjamin Gifford and Amanda Cipperly; Jacob and Gabrielle Oatman; and one

great-grandchild, Easton Cipperly.

Jerry Smilgin was born and raised in Amsterdam, New York. He attended Christian Brothers

Academy and graduated from St. Mary’s Institute in 1957. He also attended St. Michael’s

College in Burlington, Vermont, and was a graduate of Potsdam State University. He was

extremely proud to have also served in the United States Marine Corps as a field radio

operator. SEMPER FI.

Jerry joined the staff of Canton Central School in 1966 as a social studies teacher. He worked

there up until his retirement in 1999. During his time at Canton Central he became the junior

varsity coach when the boys soccer program was founded. It was the start of what would

become an outstanding legacy in North Country sports and athletics. He joined what has

become a legendary coaching staff at Canton, featuring several Hall of Famers, which was

assembled by noted administrator Abby Molnar. Jerry teamed with varsity coach Roger

Dusharm in developing the Golden Bears boys soccer program. This is when the sport of

soccer enjoyed a rapid growth spurt throughout the section. Canton quickly developed into

one of the section's flagship boys soccer programs. It became very competitive at the Class C

and Class B level when the state tournament was founded. That excellence continued

through that season where Canton went undefeated. Jerry's JV teams forged a string of

perfect seasons. At one time they won 76 straight games. Coach Smilgin injected his Marine

Corps experience and the motto of "Semper Fi" (Always Faithful) into his teams who

affectionately called his preseason practices “Smilgin's Boot Camp.”

“Smilgin’s Boot Camp” was credited by Varsity Coach Roger Dusharm as a key to preparing

Canton boys soccer players for success at the JV and varsity levels, as well as in life. Both

Coach Smilgin and Coach Dusharm were inducted into the New York State Boys Soccer

Coaches Hall of Fame after their retirements. Smil matched his success as a social studies

teacher and a coach by being an official for boys and girls soccer, as well as, boys and girls

basketball at the high school and college levels.

Jerry served as president and interpreter for both the soccer and basketball officials and

boards. He became extremely well known, very respected, and highly liked across the section

for his ability to expertly and fairly call the games. He interacted seamlessly with coaches,

players, and fans. He called championship games at the league, section, and regional levels.

Smil was widely admired as a mentor and role model for younger officials.

In 1968, Jerry, Roger Dusharm, and Pat Casey were approached by Canton Boys Basketball

Coach Jerry Hourihan to volunteer as ticket sellers and takers for the Section 10 Boys

Basketball Tournament. They became the leaders of the Section 10 Admissions Crew. "The

Crew" was eventually expanded to handle all the admission duties for the boys and girls

basketball and hockey tournaments and regional contests hosted by Section 10. For over 50

years Jerry was a landmark taking tickets and greeting people at the door of the events while

Roger and Pat sold tickets. All three have now passed on.

Canton Central faculty members and coaches Neil Riggs, Wayne Willette, and Lyle Newman

have also served on "The Crew" for decades. Jerry received several honors for his coaching,

officiating, and supporting Section 10 Athletics. Section 10 Athletic Coordinator Carl

Normandin dubbed him as the section's unofficial “Goodwill Ambassador.”

Along with coaching and teaching, Jerry was also an ardent supporter of Canton Central

sports and the teams of the area colleges. He was especially fond of the St. Lawrence

University Men's Soccer team coached by former Canton Central player, Bob Durocher. He

was also an avid NFL New York Giants fan. He followed his former students and

student-athletes at the college and professional levels, as well as, in local adult leagues.

In the wake of the unexpected passing of longtime football, basketball, and baseball official

Don Petty several years ago, Jerry teamed with Rick Bearor of Harrisville to establish the

“Don Petty Re-Open Golf Tournament.” The tournament was founded to raise funds for

Petty's family, as well as, to present the Don Petty Memorial Award to Section 10's

Outstanding Football Player, and honoring individuals as having Outstanding Service to

Section 10. The tournament also funds scholarships to the Brian Leonard Summer Football

Camp and donations to deserving families and groups. Overriding his objection, the

tournament committee honored Jerry with one of the awards in the second year of the

tournament. Jerry also incorporated his dedication to Wounded Warriors. He would bring

soldiers from Fort Drum to the Petty Tournament for recognition of their service with a day of

golf and post golf gatherings. On November 11, 2020, Jerry was honored for his military

service and support of Wounded Warriors by receiving recognitions from the Wounded

Warriors Outdoor Adventures and the Canton VFW.

Beyond athletics and past his retirement, Jerry was involved throughout the Canton

community. He was a former president of the Canton Library Board and a Trustee of the

Morley Library. He was a voracious reader and never read a book he didn’t enjoy. He was

also a proud member of the Potsdam Elks Lodge 2074 and the Canton VFW 1231.

Smil will be remembered for his very firm handshake, every “true story” he would tell, the

nicknames he gave to most, and for his garage “office” gatherings.

Donations may be made to the Hospice and Palliative Care of St. Lawrence Valley, 6805 US

11, Potsdam NY, 13676 or the Canton Golden Bears Booster Club, 99 State Street, Canton

NY, 13617.

Due to concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic there will be no calling hours or funeral

service at this time. Services will be scheduled for a later date. Arrangements are entrusted to the Garner Funeral Service. Condolences can be shared @www.garnerfh.com.