Avoca, New York
Norman R. “Norm” Smith – 77 – of Lake Road (Smith Pond), Avoca, NY, died Wednesday morning (December 11, 2024) at St. James Hospital in Hornell following a long illness.
Born in Wayland, NY on July 1, 1947, he was the son of George & Lucille (Fogel) Smith.
Norm grew up in Springwater and was a graduate of St. Joseph’s School Elementary School and attended Wayland Central School. He later served his country as a member of the US Army Reserves.
He had been employed for several years as a laborer and later equipment operator for CP Ward Construction Company of Rochester and for about 16 years worked as an equipment operator for the Town of Springwater Highway Department. He “retired” from full-time work after serving as an equipment operator for the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) in Dansville. Following his “retirement,” he served as a Bus Driver for the Livingston Area Transport for about 2 years and also worked part-time security for ALSTOM in Hornell.
Growing up, Norm was a communicant of St. Joseph’s Parish in Wayland. He was a longtime member of the Springwater Fire Department and the Springwater Ambulance Service. A true outdoorsman, Norm enjoyed nature and, in his younger years, enjoyed hunting & fishing (especially on Hemlock Lake). In recent years he treasured his time spent of Smith Pond. Norm was also very involved in Civil War Re-Inactment — usually playing the part of a Confederate doctor.
He was preceded in death by his parents, George & Lucille Smith.
Norm was married on June 22, 2002 to the former Cynthia “Cindy” Grein who survives. Also surviving are his children, Tracy (Steve) Callari of St. Petersburg, FL, James (Daphne) Smith of Atlanta, NY and Katie Smith; his step-children, Shelly Sheff of Hornell and Mike (Yvonne) Mills of Hornell; 4 sisters, Joan (Mike) Wagner of Sparta, Judy Carney of Mt. Morris, Barb (Dan) Sontag of Tonawanda and Beverly (Doug) Rex of Dansville; many grandchildren; great-grandchildren; nieces & nephews.
At Norm’s request there will be no calling hours. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.
Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.
Norm’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to either the Howard Volunteer Fire Department, 3622 County Route 70A, Avoca, NY 14809 or the Hornell Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843.
To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.