Earl J. Smith

Earl J. Smith, 98, of Syracuse, NY formerly of Brewerton, NY departed this earthly realm for his home with Jesus on December 24, 2020. His final days at Bishop Nursing Home were peaceful with family visits allowed under a bereavement exception.

Earl was above all else a man of faith, a lifelong member of The United Methodist Church. He was a member of Brewerton United Methodist Church for 67 years, occupying many positions in the church including chair of the Building Committee when the current church building was constructed on Orangeport Rd.  He was a family man in every sense of the word that leaves his wife and children with many fond memories. He was a lover of the outdoors, hunting, and work on the farmstead he purchased as a family home.  He spent many hours upgrading it after it not having been lived in for thirty years.  He also loved dogs and for several years raised beagles. He also had a Christmas tree lot with several thousand trees on the farm.

He served in the Eight Weather Squadron of the Army Air Corps in World War II and was stationed in Fort Chimo (Kuujjuaq), Quebec, Canada in charge of a section that sent up weather balloons to obtain information needed for weather forecasts.

He was employed at Western Electric on Thompson Rd in East Syracuse where he was supervisor of their electronic repair section.  He retired after being employed by Western Electric for 30 years.

He was born on October 25, 1922 to the late Mary and Charles Smith who resided on Campbell Rd in Mattydale.  He had four sisters: Mary Signoretti (deceased), Virginia Robinson (deceased), Kathryn Lipfort (deceased), and Sandra Henry.

He married Lydia Naomi Lord on November 9, 1943 and enjoyed 77 wonderful years together.  During that time they raised four children and enjoyed many family activities together. Above all else, they shared a love that was there to celebrate accomplishments and provide support in difficult times. They imparted values of hard work, honesty, importance of family, and a faith in Jesus. Two of their children, David and Bruce are pastors who are currently serving churches.

Surviving family include: Spouse Lydia Naomi Smith, Sister - Sandra Henry, Children - David Smith, Bruce and (Kandace) Smith, Lori and (Steve) Bourdage, Kelley Gorman; grandchildren - Christopher and (Barbara) Smith, Sean and (Jennifer) Smith, Kasey and (Joe) Stone, Jason Armstrong, Summer Gorman: great grandchildren Madison Stone, Lillian Smith.

Viewing Hours will be Wednesday, December 30th from 10:00 AM – Noon at Traub Funeral Home, 684 N Main St, Central Square, NY.

A Service of Death and Resurrection will be held Wednesday, December 30th at 1:00 PM at Brewerton United Methodist Church at 5395 Orangeport Rd, Brewerton, NY 13029.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Brewerton United Methodist Church, PO Box 879, Brewerton, NY 13029. Please mark contribution “Memorial Earl J Smith”

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