David W. Smith

Mohawk - David W. Smith, 85, of Mohawk passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at the FoltsBrook Center in Herkimer, NY.

He was born on November 25, 1939, in Utica, NY the son of the late Joseph and Lillian (Inman) Smith, Sr. David was educated in Utica Schools and was a 1959 graduate of Mohawk High School. Throughout his high school years, he received numerous accomplishments and certificates within the agricultural field.

On October 25, 1962, David was united in marriage to the former Kaye S. Eckler in Little Falls, NY. Because of his love for agriculture, David and Kaye purchased a farm on Travis Road where they started their family. Due to a tragic fire on the farm, David saw the need to pursue a different career. With help from his father-in-law, he was able to find a new job that became a career at the former Remington Arms in Ilion. David was employed there for 32 years, which allowed him to serve on the board of Remington Federal Credit Union. After retiring from Remington Arms, David became a bus driver for the Mohawk Central School District. He loved being around the children and transporting teams to sporting events.

David was a man devoted to his family, who always put the needs and concerns of his loved ones first. He was the happiest when he was surrounded by his children and grandchildren. Often times you would see him cheering on his children and grandchildren at sporting events and extracurricular activities such as football, soccer, bowling, wrestling, softball, baseball, and band concerts. Watching his grandchildren bowl, David developed a love for bowling himself. He became involved in the Little Falls First Baptist Church bowling league and another men’s league located at the former State Bowl in Ilion. In addition, David had a strong belief in God and was a faithful member of the Dennison Corner’s Community Church where he served as a deacon.

Survivors include his loving wife of 62 years, Kaye; his daughter, Carol Macrina and husband Anthony of Mohawk; three sons, Donald Smith and wife Lori of Dallesport, Washington State, David Smith and wife Julia of Bedford, Virginia and Aaron Smith and Emilee Konchar of Milford, NY; his cherished grandchildren, Brandon (Amanda) Macrina, Brittany (Brad) Niles, Nolan Smith and Allison Guerra, Elizabeth (Brian) Anker, Kai Ellyn Smith and David Welch, Lauren (Nathan) Armstrong, Daivd Jacob Smith, Ben Smith, and Abel Smith; his 13 great grandchildren and 1 on the way; two sisters, Cynthia Smith of Mohawk and Lillian Kress of Ilion; three brothers, Joseph Smith Jr. and wife Elizabeth of Mohawk, Andrew Smith of Florida, and Walter Smith of Mohawk; his sister-in-law and brother-in-law Jean and Tom Fenton of North Carolina; several nieces and nephews.

He was pre-deceased by a sister, Lavinia Smith on June 10, 2020, as well as his mother and father-in-law, Ethel & Donald Eckler.

The family would like to acknowledge the special care David received at FoltsBrook Center on the 5th floor. A special thank you to Brandi Owens and all of his nurses for the love they showed him over the years.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, July 5, 2025, at 10:00 am at Cedarville Cemetery. Arrangements are under the caring guidance of the locally owned and family operated, Vincent A. Enea Funeral Service, (next to Hannaford Markets), 527 E. Albany St., Herkimer, NY. In lieu of flowers, please make all memorial contributions to FoltsBrook Center, 104 N. Washington St., Herkimer, NY 13350.

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