MEMORIAL SERVICE
Obituary of The Reverend Russell D. Smith
NISKAYUNA – The Reverend Russell D Smith, late of Niskayuna, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of February 4, 2025.
Born and raised on the family farm in Salem NY, he was the son of the late Ernest Smith Sr and Esther (McMillan) Smith. He graduated from Salem Central School in 1954 and went on to attend Hartwick College in Oneonta NY. This is where he met and married his beloved wife Joyce. Following his graduation from Hartwick in 1959, he went on to complete seminary at Drew University, receiving his Master of Divinity in 1962. In the ensuing years, Russell went on to attend New York University to earn his Master of Arts degree in Pastoral Counseling with the Adult Deaf.
Being involved in Interfaith and community activities was always important. For 19 years Russell served as a Trustee for New York Methodist Hospital in Brooklyn NY. He received the James Monroe Buckley Award for Distinguished Trustee in 2008. Russell also served as an advisor for a Youth Mission trip to Puerto Rico, advisor for two youth Mission of Peace trips to the former Soviet Union, leader of an adult mission trip to China, and a trip to the Holy Land with other church leaders.
Rev Smith served at several local United Methodist churches and was appointed a District Superintendent in the former Troy Annual Conference. He retired in 2001, after serving in the ministry for 41 years. Throughout his ministry, Russell and his family created enduring friendships in each of the churches he served and he leaves many lifelong friends to mourn his passing. Russell was also known for his love of ice cream and often ran into friends at local Stewart’s shops where they would sit and visit over a double scoop.
Russell was predeceased by his parents, Ernest Sr and Esther Smith; his brother Ernest Smith Jr; and his niece Susan Smith. He is survived by his wife of 66 years Joyce; their daughters Judy Tomisman (Jerry) of Niskayuna and Diane Kitson (Bill) of Utah; his grandchildren Justin (Bridgette and her daughter Emma), Jocelyn, Jackie (Eric), Jeremy, Robert (Samantha) and Chandler; and his adored great granddaughter Annabel Lee; as well as many cherished nieces and nephews, their spouses and their children.
A memorial Service will be held on Saturday March 1st at 1 pm at the Shenendehowa UMC. Interment will be this summer at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to Hartwick College, to create a scholarship in Russell’s memory. Hartwick College, Office of Alumni Relations, 1 Hartwick Drive, Oneonta NY 13820. Russell Smith Scholarship in the memo line.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted by the family to the Gordon C. Emerick Funeral Home, 1550 RT-9, Clifton Park, NY 12065.
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