SMITH, Richard G., "Dick"  Nov. 7, 2023 of Lawtons, NY.

Loving Husband of Allene (Aderman) Smith.  Beloved father of Laurie (Donald) Klahn, Sandy (David) Wells and Tanya (Timothy) Suleski.  Adored grandfather of 9 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren.  Also survived by many relatives and friends who will miss his warm smile, wisdom, and unwavering support and honesty.  Friends may call Friday from 2-6 PM at the Wentland Funeral Home 10634 Main St. (Rt. 62) North Collins, NY.  Funeral services will be held Saturday at 1 PM from Epiphany of Our Lord Church Langford, NY. Please assemble at church.  In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to School House #8 in his honor. Dick passed away peacefully at the age of 89. He leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and unwavering commitment to his family and community.

Dick was born on September 1, 1934 to the late Claude and Elizabeth (Bolton) Smith in Springville, NY. He spent his early years developing a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for family values. After completing his education he had various jobs until he began his career at the North Collins Highway department, where he earned the respect of his coworkers for his dedication and unwavering integrity.

Dick's greatest joy in life was his family. He met the love of his life, Allene and they shared 65 years of marriage filled with love, laughter and countless cherished moments. Together they raised their children; Deb, Laurie, Sandy and their bonus daughter Tanya; instilling in them the values of compassion, perseverance and the importance of always striving for their best. As a father, he was a source of guidance and a pillar of strength, providing endless support and encouragement in their pursuits.

In his free time, Dick had a passion for farming, collecting treasurers and spending time with his family. He could often be found outdoors keeping busy. His true love, however, was his collection of John Deere tractors, which he meticulously maintained and cherished. Dick's lifelong love for tractors extended to his cherished grandchildren. Together they spent countless hours creating lasting memories and passing on his knowledge and enthusiasm for these iconic machines. This hobby was a source of pride, and he would eagerly share stories about each unique tractor with anyone willing to listen.

Dick's presence in the community was felt by many. He was known for his generous spirit and willingness to lend a helping hand whenever needed. Dick was a dedicated advocate for School House #8, where he served as a trustee and worked tirelessly to preserve the historic landmark. His commitment to the school will be a lasting part of his legacy.