Bernard F. Smith, Sr., 88, of 8 Park Avenue, Arkport, died Tuesday, January 18th, 2011, following a brief illness.
Born in Wayland, NY, on September 27, 1922, he was the son of Fred & Mary (Reigelsperger) Smith.
Bernard grew up in the Wayland-Cohocton area and was a graduate of Cohocton High School. A veteran of WWII, he entered into the service of his country May 17, 1943, and was stationed in England. He was a decorated Airman and was honorably discharged October 4, 1945, after the completion of 35 successful missions. He moved to the village of Arkport in 1949, was a communicant of St. Ann’s Church, and a life-long member of the Arkport American Legion.
He was employed as an auto mechanic for all of his life. He had been employed at several area businesses including Arkport Motors, Blovsky Ford of Hornell, Perry & Thompson of Bath, NY, and Auto Specialized Service of Hornell. Bernard eventually purchased Auto Specialized Service from his uncle, Murray Burdett, which he owned & operated in partnership with his son, Bernie Jr., for many years. The family tradition continues today as Bernie Jr., co-owns and operates the business in Arkport, NY, with his son (Bernard’s eldest grandson) Brad Smith.
Bernard enjoyed his garden tremendously; especially the pursuit of the perfect tomato. He enjoyed photography and all sorts of technology. His cooking and baking abilities were well-known and desired among those lucky enough to have sampled them. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren affectionately referred to him as their “Poppy” and were a great source of pride and enjoyment to him. Many of his last days were spent tinkering with them on their various projects, tirelessly answering their many questions, and laughing at their antics.
A man with an avid curiosity for how things “worked,” his most recent passion was for his Apple computer and the Internet; both of which he was incredibly savvy with. He enjoyed searching the web and sharing with everyone all of the fun and interesting things he found. Simply mention a question or wonder out loud in his presence and off he would go to retrieve his laptop to get the answer; and find it he did!
Bernard was preceded in death by his sisters, Rita Smith, Agnes Ann Cooper and Myra Ersfeld.
He was married on November 16, 1946, to the former RuthAnna Tuttle, who survives. Also surviving are two sons, Bernard “Bernie” (Cathy) Smith, Jr., of Arkport, and Bryan (Donna) Smith of Richmond, VA; one daughter, Bernita Fajardo of Aylett, VA; one uncle, Warren “Mickey” Reigelsperger of Rochester, NY; one sister, Leona Wager of Cohocton, NY; six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.
It was Bernard’s wish that there be no calling hours, however a Memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. Ann’s Church, Hornell, at a time & date to be announced. Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.
I am so sorry for your loss. Bernard was a wonderful man and he will be missed by all who knew him. His love and life will live on through his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Always,
Susan, Rick,
Casey and Madelyn Wellington
Aunt Ruthanna and all…My heartfelt condolences go out to all of you. I know that he was a much loved man, and will be greatly missed. I have some really good memories of him. Watching him in his garden, having the pleasure of sharing his bounty when we were in N.Y. last time. His baking talents, none could compare! I hope that someone has his recipe for his special “sticky buns”! He taught Bryan and Jerod to stand on their heads when they were in grade school, and they still do that and talk about Uncle Bernard. I always saw him as a gentle man, always treating you, Aunt Ruthanna, with tenderness,and with the utmost respect. I’ve seen the love in his eyes, and heard it in his voice whenever his children or grandchildren were around. A wonderful man. I am sorry for your loss, and I have always loved you.
Deb Voorhees
I am so proud and blessed to be the 2nd son of Bernard F. Smith Sr.! What a good man, husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather!
RIP Dad! You will be missed but never forgotten. Love always, Bryan
Most sincere condolences to the smith family. Bernard was a very kind, gentle man, I have great memories of growing up as a neighbor and friend. Bernard was always good to us kids and always smiling.. I remember there was nothing that man couldn t fix or build, or grow!! I mourn his loss to his family and the community as a whole…..John and Sandy Senka
I will always have fond memories of Uncle Bernard at family reunions. My biggest regret is I live so far away and was unable to see my family more. I do find comfort knowing my dad will have company in heaven. Love you Uncle Bernard and family.
To the Smith Family and friends we are truly sorry for your loss.
Please rest assured that a truly great man has been called to an even greater place!
God Speed.
Ruthann and Family – My thoughts and prayers are with you as you mourn the loss of Bernie. You have a great family. I remember talking to you Ruthann at our 50th High School Reunion 4 yrs. ago.
I am honored to have known Bernard as my dear father-in-law for so many years. I was one of the lucky ones who got to enjoy homemade sticky buns, canned vegetables,the ” best spaghetti sauce ever” , not to forget the fabulous dinner rolls. I was always amazed at how beautiful his hanging baskets were and how much he loved working in the garden. He was a quiet man but he could also make you laugh . I am so proud that my son was born on his birthday! I miss you ,Bernard, and will fondly remember the last time I talked to you .. Love Stephanie
To the family, our prayers are with you. So happy to get to know you folks, you were outstanding neighbors to my Mom and Dad. We were so blessed with your caring and thoughtful ways. My folks enjoyed Bernie sitting on the porch with them and chatting. Many times when we were up from Florida we got to enjoy some of his baked goods, too. So glad we stopped in one more time when we were passing through Arkport.
God Bless you all. Love Vera
Ruth Anna,
Our deepest sympathy to you. Mom and Dad always thought so highly of both of you; as do I and my son, Kyle.
With love,
John and Kyle Steng
Many prayers to Ruthann, Bernita and the entire Smith Family. When Bernita and I spent time in your home, it was so much fun! Thank you for always making me feel special and welcome. Please know I am thinking of you and remembering each of you with fond memories.
Bernard has been my brother-in-law from the time I was 13 years old–I can’t imagine family get togethers without him being present. He was a smart guy–I was so proud of him for the way he tackled the computer and learned and outshown most of his family with his techical knowledge.(He left me in the dust in that area!)He made the best rhubarb pie in the world and I am so glad I have his recipe. I loved him and have so many fond memories that I will always cherish.
I was born six months before Bernard married Ruth Anna. I have had great love and respect for my brother-in-law for as long as I can remember. We shared receipts, computer knowledge and our love for household gadgets. We will all miss him dearly. Thank God, we have so many wonderful memories to revisit.
Dear Ruth Anna & Family,
I remember from the “Fraud & Legal Affairs” days at DSS that he loved gardening & cooking! I always thought you were so lucky Ruth Anna- since then, I have trained my husband to cook!
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Love,
Karen & Mike Horvat
Bath, NY
Ruth Anna,
We are very sorry for your loss. My girls have special memories of “Grandpa Smith”, as do Larry and I. Please know that both Bernard and you, Ruth Anna, are never far from our thoughts and always in our hearts and prayers.
Hugs,
Judy and Larry