Richard A. Smida

St. Johnsville - Richard A. Smida, 87, a long time St. Johnsville resident passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 9, 2025, at his home.

Richard was born on September 17, 1937, in Schenectady, NY the son of the late John and Eva (Machovic) Smida. He was a graduate of Johnstown High School, class of 1955.

Mr. Smida enlisted in the United States Navy in July of 1955 and was honorably discharged in 1958.

On August 29, 1959, Richard was united in marriage to the former Bessie L. Smith and moved to St. Johnsville in 1961. The couple shared a blessed union of 26 years until the passing of Bessie in December of 1985.

Richard started his working career in 1966, at General Electric in Schenectady, where he retired after many years of dedicated service.

He was a very religious man putting God first. In his later life, he would attend catholic mass as often as he could, driving to different parishes for daily mass. He knew the schedule all around.  It was catholic mass in the morning and bingo in the evening. Again, he had a schedule. He had friends at each game and would tell the stories to his family. Until COVID took that away, he never went back because of the new rules.

In his younger years, Richard was an avid hunter and fisherman (mostly for love of the sports, but also to provide food for his family). In his leisure, he enjoyed Woodworking/Cabinetry (leaving behind many treasures with family & friends) and reading (mostly western novels).

Most recently became an "Uber for Amish", transporting several in the Amish community on errands and picking up supplies.

Survivors include his son Richard of Bridgeport CT; daughter Donna Kenyon & husband Sean of Rotterdam; grandson Riley Kenyon; granddaughter Seanna Kenyon, great-granddaughter Peyton; brother Robert Smida; sister in-laws Evelyn Miles & Bonnie Smith; many nieces & nephews.

He was pre-deceased by son Bruce, brothers John & Paul Smida.

The family will be receiving relatives and friends on Friday, January 17, 2025, from 11:00 am until 12:00 noon at the locally owned and family operated Vincent A. Enea Funeral Service, (next to the Masonic Lodge), 20 Bridge St. Johnsville, NY. A prayer service will follow at 12:00 noon in the chapel of the funeral home, with Deacon Joe Cechnicki, officiating. Burial in Rural Park Cemetery, Ingham Mills, NY with take place on Friday, July 18, 2025, at 11:00 am with full military honors accorded.

In lieu of flowers, please make all memorial contributions to either Margaret Reaney Memorial Library, 19 Kingsbury St., St. Johnsville, NY 13452 or to Our Lady of Hope Church, 119 Reid St., Fort Plain, NY 13339. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

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