Cornelius J. Smith

Cornelius J. “Neil” Smith, a lifelong resident of Yonkers, New York, passed away on June 28, 2026, at the age of 104. Born in Yonkers on June 5, 1922, to Cornelius and Rose Smith, Neil was a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend.

After graduating from Manhattan College High School, Neil enlisted in the U.S. Army. He served with the 464th Bomb Squadron in the Asiatic Pacific theater of operations. As a radio operator on a B-29 aircraft, he completed seven missions and received the Air Medal and other distinctions.

Following his military service, Neil joined New York Telephone Company, where he worked in operations for 44 years. On September 1, 1951, he married Beverly Elsie Riddett at Sacred Heart Church in Yonkers, NY. Beverly predeceased him in May 2018.

Neil cherished time with family, especially at the cottage in Chadwick Beach, New Jersey. He and Beverly loved fishing, finding endless joy in their rowboat on the Westchester reservoirs and along the Jersey Shore.

Neil is survived by his three daughters, Jacqueline McMahon, Bernadette Wade (Steve), and Lisa Harrington. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Christopher McMahon (Jessica), Kevin McMahon (Earda), Meghan Bautista (Devon), Erin Wade, Lauren Wade, Dylan Harrington, and Taylor Harrington; and his two great-grandchildren, Connor McMahon and Hunter McMahon.

In addition, he is survived by his sister, Elizaeth “Betty” Dee; nephews David Dee (Aundria) and Thomas Dee (Christina and son Jackson); and niece Lisa Stanton (Tom and son Luke). He was predeceased by his son-in-law James Harrington; his sister, Rose Marie “Sis” Smith; and by his brother-in-law and lifelong friend, Edward Dee.

Visitation will be Wednesday, July 1, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Whalen and Ball Funeral Home, 168 Park Ave, Yonkers, NY 10703. A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, July 2, at 9:30 a.m. at the Monastery Church of the Sacred Heart, 110 Shonnard Place Yonkers, NY 10703. Burial will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Hawthorne, NY.