The Eastwick Press Newspaper

Eastern Rensselaer County's Community Newspaper

Arthur E. Smith Jr.

By

Hoosick Falls – Arthur E. Smith Jr., 89, died August 29, 2013, after a short illness, surrounded by his family at the Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation at Hoosick Falls, NY. He had been married to Gwendolyn (McMartin) Smith for 66 years.
Born April 22,1924, in Petersburgh, NY, he was the son of the late Arthur E. Sr. and Grace (Fuller) Smith. He was a lifetime resident of North Petersburgh, NY. Arthur graduated from the Walter A. Wood High School in Hoosick Falls as Salutatorian in the class of 1941. He then started a career as a builder. Many of the homes he built are located throughout the Hoosick and Taconic Valleys. He was an original member of the School Board of the Hoosick Falls Central School in 1956 and served two terms as President. He retired from the School Board in 1975 and from his business in 1991.
Apart from events celebrating his family life, he enjoyed outdoor sports including hunting and fishing. His favorite sports teams were the Boston Red Sox and the Dallas Cowboys.
Survivors, other than his wife Gwendolyn, are his four sons, David from Wellfleet, MA, Daniel and wife Gail of North Petersburgh, Dennis and wife Pam of North Petersburgh and Richard of Hoosick Falls. He is also survived by eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
In 1963 Arthur and his work crew converted the North Petersburgh schoolhouse into a chapel known as the North Petersburgh Methodist Church. The services for Arthur were held from this chapel on Tuesday September 3, at 12:30 pm. Relatives and friends called at the chapel from 11 am until the service. The burial followed at the Hoosick Rural Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Centers For Nursing and Rehabilitation or the North Petersburgh Methodist Church through the Mahar Funeral Home, 43 Main Street, Hoosick Falls, NY, 12090.
The family wishes to thank all the professionals at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center, The Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation and all those who provided his excellent care. For persons unable to attend the services the family suggests that they spend time talking with friends and family about an activity Art enjoyed throughout his life.