Obituaries

Robert (Bob) Edward Smith, a Taylor native and formerly of Elmira, New York, passed away on Saturday afternoon following a sudden illness. He was 65 years old.
Born in Taylor on October 2, 1957 and son of the late Robert and Ruth (Sacchetti) Smith, Bob was educated at Riverside High School. After moving to Elmira, he would begin his career as a prison guard for the New York State Department of Corrections. He worked at both Elmira and Attica State Prisons prior to his retirement before his return home to Taylor. Possessing a tireless work ethic, following his retirement he never stopped. He initially drove truck but it was in the kitchen where he really found his niche. An amazing cook, Bob worked for the former Moosic Diner and then Schiff’s.
A die-hard fan of P.S.U. Nittany Lions football and Riverside High School football, he also loved Syracuse Orangemen basketball. He loved golfing, as both a player and a spectator, and he was still a faithful and proud reader of the daily newspaper. He was an expert-level master of the crossword puzzle and he never met a lottery ticket he didn’t like. Bob was also a walking encyclopedia, full of unlimited historical information and fun facts with a particular expertise in pop culture and various genres of music. He was quick-witted and always good for a laugh, but he was also caring and big-hearted (served as a caregiver for his sister, Rhonda, before her passing). Bob spent much of his time with his two youngest siblings, Angelo and Elizabeth, as both a brother and a friend.
Leaving behind unlimited memories and educational facts with his loved ones, Bob will forever be missed by family and friends alike.
He is survived by his loving family, included four children, Stephanie Smith and companion Jonathan Fall, Samantha Clark and companion Thomas Adams, and Zachary Smith, all of Elmira, and Samuel Smith of Avoca, N.Y.; five grandchildren who loved their “poppy” with a great grandson on his way; six siblings, Elizabeth (Beth) Kemler and husband Art of Taylor, Russell Smith of Dalton, John Smith and wife Kathy of N.J., Michael Smith of Taylor, Daniel Smith and companion Stan Chesney of Ashley, and Angelo Smith and wife Tammy of Scranton; many nieces and nephews; and his former wife and dear friend, Kimberly Smith of Elmira. His sister, Rhonda Carden, preceded him in death on May 20, 2021.
Family and friends may pay their respects on Saturday between 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM at the Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 517 North Main Street in Old Forge, with a noon celebration of Bob’s life. Please visit the funeral home’s website for directions or to leave a condolence.