Obituary of Ronald D. Smith Jr.

Ronald D. Smith Jr., 60, passed away peacefully holding the hands of those he cherished most on March 11, 2022. He was born in Herkimer on July 4, 1961, son of Ronald and Mary (Young) Smith Sr., and graduated from Westmoreland Central School. Ron proudly served in the United States Army for many years. He worked for the Rome Sentinel and Utica Observer-Dispatch as a courier for over 30 years. Ron loved anything with an engine. He loved racing at ESTA Dragstrip with family and great friends. He instilled this love of drag racing in his children and was very proud watching them go down the racetrack in his footsteps. Ron raced a drag bike and a snowmobile, taking home many trophies and championships. He will always be remembered for his fierce competitive nature, his passion for things he loved and his loyalty, compassion, and willingness to help any friend in need. Ron loved riding his bicycle and could be seen on the roads around Westmoreland any time of the year in any weather. Ron loved being outside with his grandchildren teaching them to love ATV rides, snowmobile adventures, campfires, and fireworks just as he did his children. His greatest joy was watching his children and grandchildren succeed in the things they loved and become the people he worked so hard raising them to be. He is survived by his wife, Lena Smith (Towne); son Heath Smith of Westmoreland; daughter and son-in-law, Nichole and Dennis Boston of Canastota; five cherished grandchildren all of whom he had special names, Sky (Boogie), Carter (Cart), May May (Peanut), Savannah (Savy) and Brayden (Bray); his sister, brother-in-law and niece, Mary Ann Smith Gross, Rob Gross and Jessie Gross of NYC; and his father, Ronald Smith Sr. of Tyler, TX. He was predeceased by his mother. All are invited to call Wednesday, March 16, 2022, from 3-6pm at Owens-Pavlot & Rogers Funeral Service, 35 College St., Clinton. A graveside service will be held in the Spring with Military Honors. A celebration of life will be held after the calling hours at Stanwix Heights Fire Department, 6580 Bartlett Road, Rome, NY from 5:30pm- 9pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider the needs of the family.