BERNE — Thomas C. Smith Sr. of Helderberg Trail served during the Korean War and had a wide range of interests including singing, painting, and camping.
He died on Wednesday, May 10, at St. Peter’s Hospital after a sudden illness. He was 91.

Mr. Smith was born Oct. 20, 1931 in New York City, a son of Robert and Helen (née Blank) Smith.  He was educated in Mt. Vernon and he enlisted in the United States Navy in 1951.

“He served his country during the Korean War aboard the USS Wright, an aircraft carrier which he served aboard until his honorable discharge in 1955,” his family wrote in a tribute. “He later married Barbara Guarino on Oct. 27, 1957. 

“Thomas retired from Golub Corp. where he worked for Price Chopper in the produce and other departments in the Cobleskill and Guilderland stores. Previously, he worked for the Albany County Highway Department as a truck driver and equipment operator.

“Tom enjoyed painting and camping. He was a longtime member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints where he served as Second Counselor to the Bishop, worked in the genealogy department, was a historical clerk, and he and his wife were Temple workers. He was also a member of the Schoharie Valley Singers, the Hilltown Seniors and the Rensselaerville Seniors.”

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Thomas C. Smith Sr. is survived by his wife, Barbara, and by his children, Thomas Smith Jr. of Albany, Karen Murphy of Berne, David John Smith of Knox, Wendy Haigh and her husband, Mike, of Sloansville, and James Robert Smith and his wife, Serena, of Blandford, Massachusetts.

He is also survived by 10 grandchildren, Alisha Huth, Amanda Herrick, Andrew Zeh, Sarah Sakalaukus, Peter Murphy, Kendra Bombard, Tiffanie Smith, Jason Smith, Brandon Smith, and Ryan Smith, and by 17 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

His parents, Robert and Helen (née Blank) Smith, died before him, as did his siblings, Robert, James, John, Roberta, Ethel, and Fred.

Calling hours will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 20, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on Church Street in Central Bridge followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m. Interment with military honors will be held on Wednesday, May 24, at 11 a.m. in Woodlawn Cemetery in Berne.

Memorial contributions may be made to Patriot Flight, Post Office Box 13776, Albany, NY 12212.