Obituary of Richard J. Smith

Richard J Smith, 83, of Albany NY passed away at his home on August 23, 2012, surrounded by his family, and his music. Born on February 23, 1929 in Albany, NY he was the son of the late Alfred and Dorothy Paul Smith. Dick graduated from Albany High School and went on to study at Pharmacy College. When his father went on to open his own business Al Smith Sporting Goods Co., Dick joined him and remained in the business until 1995. The business combined a Pawn Shop in the rear of the store and sporting goods in the front. As a sporting goods retailer Dick interacted with the many schools and colleges in the area becoming buddies with the principals, coaches, professors and athletes. Of the pawn business he said, "The people who really opened my eyes to a different side of life, were those I dealt with as a pawn broker." A trade he learned from his father. He was married to Phyllis Krakower in 1953 and they had three daughters: Dina Zeese, Linda Smith (Cary Berliner) and Dr. Vicki Smith (Arleen Kozaka). He was blessed with four grandsons, Alex and Daniel Zeese, Noah and Simon Berliner, and granddaughter Darcy (Dan Callahan) and the late Rafe Kozaka. His is survived by his brother Alan (Ruth) who was his best friend and confidant. He was loved by his many nieces and nephews as well as his grand-nieces/nephews, cousins and friends. His talent and passion for music was passed down from his "beloved mother," to both of her sons and it became an integral part of his life. Our thanks to Hospice, Blessing Oki and Nadia Assaff-Cole, for their devotion and comfort to the entire family. Funeral Services were held on Thursday at Levine Memorial Chapel. The family will be sitting shiva at the home of Phyllis and Dick Smith on Saturday and Sunday night. Contributions can be made in his name to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, PO Box 9026 Pittsfield, MA 01202, or to the Alzheimer Association 4 Pine West Plaza, Washington Ave Ext. Albany NY, 12203.