Obituary of Philip Smith

Philip C. Smith, lifelong resident of Montour Falls, NY passed away into peace on Monday afternoon, February 22, 2016. He has now reunited with the love of his life, his beloved wife Judy, who predeceased him in death. Surviving Philip C. Smith are his 3 children, Deborah (Deb and John) Betz, Maureen (Moe and Rick) Colunio, and Philip (Phil Joe and Jamie) Smith, his eight grandchildren, Kyle, Neil, Brian, Breana, Justin, Megan, Jessica and Philip and a growing number of great grandchildren, Tyler, Julian, Henley, Malachi, Adriana and Knox. Phil was born in Montour Falls on October 15, 1929, the only child of John and Jane (Williams) Smith. As a boy, he developed a sharp intellect and deep patriotism, a love for family, community, country…and fast cars! These core values were at the heart of who he was and his accomplishments reflect them. Phil graduated from Watkins Glen High School in 1948 and attended college in Youngstown, Ohio. He then joined the US Army where he proudly and courageously served in the Korean War. He retired from the Army with honor for his exemplary conduct and bravery, including medals for meritorious service and both the Bronze and Silver Star. He then returned to his wife and children in Montour Falls to serve with his father in the family business, Smith's Food Market, which after his father's retirement, he and Judy owned and operated as Smith's IGA, until the store was destroyed by fire in 1991. As a businessman, Phil was successful because he had a genuine concern for the members of his community and he took great pride in serving them. Customers could count on a cheerful greeting and he could be heard in the aisles whistling or humming one of his favorite tunes. The people of the community knew he was a man of his word and that he could be counted on. While running the business and raising his family, Phil was an active member of the community, serving on many boards and committees, most notably the Schuyler County legislature as a representative and then as the chairman. He was a visionary who saw possibilities and potential and one great example is the Watkins Glen Tomorrow project of the early 1970's. Phil was a member of this group and they developed the concept of revitalizing the waterfront in Watkins Glen. The fruit of those early years has forever impacted the economy and quality of life in his community. In Phil's later years, after the store, he went on to another career serving local veterans as the Director of the Veterans Administration of Schuyler County. He found deep satisfaction in being able to help fellow soldiers find the services and care they needed to live full and productive lives. He also served as a driver for the Office of the Aging, Service Officer for the American Legion and until last year continued as the county representative for the NYS Off-Track Betting Board of Directors. He was a man with an exemplary work ethic but for those who know and love Phil also know he loved to have a good time and Seneca Lake was a big part of the fun side of Phil. "The cottage" was the place for family and friends to gather and Phil was a warm host. You never had to worry about an empty glass. Philip C. Smith was a proud and powerful man who quietly loved his family, his community and his country. He lived his life on his terms, independent and determined and he was able to impact lives in profound ways because of this. Please join us if you can to remember his life. Calling hours will be held on Friday, February 26, 2016 from 4-7 pm at Vedder and Scott Funeral Home, 122 N. Genesee St., Montour Falls. A memorial service will follow at 7:00 pm. Burial with full military honors will be held privately by the family in Montour Cemetery. Phil was a practical man and he loved to serve others. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to the Schuyler County Veterans Memorial Park, P.O. Box 137, Odessa, New York 14869.