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Alfred Smith
In Memory of
Alfred J. "Al"
Smith
1925 - 2018
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Obituary for Alfred J. "Al" Smith

Loudonville - Al Smith was not tall in stature but he was gigantic in heart. Al was the stuff that Tom Brokaw wrote of in his book, The Greatest Generation. Al, who lived for 92 wonderful years, left this world peacefully and travelled to be with many family and friends on January 31, 2018. He was surrounded by his family for days prior to this part of his life’s journey.
The “Governor” as he was fondly referred to and his “First Lady” Delores were a team for over 69 years.
Here are some of the things you should know about Al; he was a loyal and loving husband, a good father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, a special brother and a great friend to many. Al had impeccable work ethic that should be emulated.
Each grandchild got their special time with grandpa at the Watervliet green where he helped them find coins at the “money park.”
Al was a lover of sports and also was a semi-pro baseball player and a terrific bowler. He bought Delores her engagement ring after winning a bowling tournament in New Jersey. His two favorite major league teams The New York Giants and The New York Yankees disappointed from time-to-time but he always remained loyal to them. Al was quite an accomplished golfer and he loved the game sometimes to the chagrin of Delores.
Al worked at the former Eastern Tablet in North Albany and for many years at the Watervliet Post Office from where he retired. Al was proud to have served in the United States Navy during World War 2 and was a member of the VFW.
Al came from a large Watervliet family. He was predeceased by his parents Joseph and Mary Smith and siblings Dorothy, Joseph, Evelyn, Virginia, Irene, Robert, Rita. Al is survived by his wife of 69 years, Delores and his sister Kate Toma, who resides in California. He is also survived by his children Kyle Smith (Robby) of East Greenbush, Terry Harding (late John) of Slingerlands, Sandra Mann (Timothy) of Jamestown, NC, and Russell Smith (Deborah) of Waterford. He was so proud of his beloved grandchildren Jessica, Brian, Evan, Christina, Timothy, Ryan, Brittany and Emily. He was the great-grandfather to Juna Smith and second great-grandchild baby-to-be due in June.
Al was a communicant of Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Latham. He was a proud member for many years of the St. Brigid’s community in Watervliet, working for the church in many capacities. He was a part of the Holy Name Society during his time at St. Brigid’s.
Special thanks to the care that Al received from the staff at Saint Peter’s Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Saint Peter’s Hospital, and the Hospice Inn. Our love and gratitude to Sister Jean Roche who was a special spiritual companion to the Smith family while on this difficult and beautiful road.
A funeral Mass for Al will be celebrated by the Reverend Geoffrey D. Burke, Pastor and Reverend John F. Tallman, Chaplain of St. Peter’s Hospital at 10 am on Monday, February 5, 2018 at Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 498 Watervliet –Shaker Road, Latham. The Rite of Committal and interment, with military honors, will be held at 2 pm in the Gerald B.H. Solomon-Saratoga National Cemetery. Friends are invited to attend and may also visit with Al’s family on Sunday from 2 until 4 pm at the Cummings Funeral Home, 643 Third Avenue, Watervliet, NY
In lieu of flowers, donations, in Al’s memory, may be made to Folds of Honor Foundation, 8551 N 125th E Avenue, Suite 100, Owasso, OK 74055 or to The Community Hospice, Gift Processing Center, 310 S. Manning Blvd., Albany, NY 12208.

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Affiliations


Asiatic Pacific Service Medal

Crucifix

European-African- Middle Eastern Service Medal

St. Vincent De Paul Society

VFW

WWII Victory Medal
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