James R. Smith

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Obituary: James Roger Smith, 89, Beloved Father, Grandfather, US Army Veteran, Fourth Degree Knight

“A True Gentleman”

James Roger Smith, 89, of East Meadow, N.Y., beloved husband of the late Josephine Frances (Meccia) Smith, passed away peacefully on February 14, 2021, at NYU Langone (Winthrop) Hospital, Mineola, NY.

The son of John Patrick Smith and Honora (Norine McNamara) Smith, and youngest of four children (Kevin, Joan and Don) he was born in Tarrytown, NY on June 8, 1931.

A graduate of LaSalle Military Academy, Oakdale, New York, he enlisted in the United States Army and served during the Korean Conflict. After his release from active-duty he stayed in the Army Reserves for the next 20 years and fulfilled the requirements for retirement attaining the rank of Master Sergeant.

Following his service in Korea, Jim enrolled at New York University School of Commerce, Accounts, and Finance, attending classes at the Washington Square campus in Manhattan. He graduated in 1958 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. Jim began his 40-year financial career with ITT Corporation, NYC.  He was Manager of Stock Transfer Administration for ITT and a proud and longstanding member of the Corporate Transfer Agents Association (now Shareholder Services Association, where he served as its President from 1985-1987.  In 2005, the SSA established the James R. Smith Scholarship Program to assist members' children and grandchildren who plan to continue education in college or vocational school programs. Renewable scholarships are offered each year for full-time study at an accredited institution of the student's choice.

Jim married the love of his life, Josephine, on May 30, 1959, at Resurrection Ascension Catholic Church in Rego Park and lived as newlyweds in Queens, NY. They were longtime residents of East Meadow, NY, where Jim moved his young family in 1965. Jim and Jo celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary in 2016. Jo passed away two months later in 2016.

A dedicated parishioner of St. Brigid’s Parish Westbury, who served in various ministries, including lector, Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion and sacristan, Jim was also an involved and long serving Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, Westbury Council 1012.  Jim always led a very active life, which included his love for baseball, current events, genealogy, walking club, and loving service to his family, neighbors and community. ‘Jim will always be remembered for his passion to make those around him smile, and his playful sense of humor that made everyone feel so welcome from the first time you met him’.

He is survived by his son, Michael A. Smith (Maria); his daughters, Joan Cetin (John) and Maria Casella; his adoring grandchildren, Leah and Brendan Smith, Thomas (Alyssa), Dylan and Victoria Cetin and Gina, Laura and Joseph Casella; and numerous nieces and nephews.  In addition of his wife, Josephine, he was predeceased by brothers Kevin (Lillian) Smith, and Donald (Renate) Smith and his sister Joan Spitzer (Carlton).

Memorial visitation for family and friends will be Thursday, February 25, 2021 (2:00 PM to 4:00 PM) and (7:00 PM to 9:00 PM), at Donohue Cecere Funeral Home, 290 Post Ave., Westbury, NY 11590. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (“JDRF”) or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

A mass of Christian burial will take place on Friday, February 26 at 11:00 AM at St. Brigid's R.C. Church, 50 Post Ave., Westbury, NY 11590. Interment will follow at Holy Rood Cemetery, 111 Old Country Rd., Westbury, NY 11590.
To leave online condolences, visit www.donohue-cecere.com/tributes/James-Smith 

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