Obituary of R. Steven Smith

R. Steven Smith, 81, formerly of Rodman, died Friday October 1, 2021 at the Iroquois Nursing Home, Jamesville, NY.  Funeral service will be 11:00 am Tuesday October 5 at the Piddock Funeral Home, Adams.  Burial will follow in the Fairview Cemetery, Rodman, NY.  A calling hour will precede the funeral beginning at 10:00 am.  Arrangements are with the Piddock Funeral Home Inc, Adams, NY. Born October 18, 1939 in Westdale, NY, Steve was the son of Ralph Woods and Emma (Jane Higham) Smith.  Following his graduation from Camden High School, Camden, NY, he attended Cornell University earning a bachelor's degree in Agricultural Science.  He entered the United States Army in 1962 where he was a surveyor for the Army Engineers in Germany.  Following his discharge in 1965, he went back to college earning a master's degree in education from SUNY Oswego.  He worked as an elementary teacher for sixteen years at the Sandy Creek Central School, then he later owned and operated Upstate Automotive Suppliers. Following retirement from his business he worked as a custodian for South Jefferson Central School District. He married Arlene Glaiser of Rodman on January 21, 1966 at the Glasier Homestead.  The couple resided in Rodman all their married life until Arlene entered into the Iroquois Nursing Home in Jamesville, NY.  Steve then moved to Liverpool, NY to be closer to her.  Mrs. Smith died September 29, 2018, however he remained at his home in Liverpool following her death. He is survived by a son Garret M. (Virginia) Smith, Phoenix, NY; two daughters Heidi R. (Karl) Sorrells, Maumelle, AR, Rebecca L Tousant, Syracuse, NY; eleven grandchildren, one great grandson; three sisters Roberta (Bernie) Neu, Dundee, NY, Mary (Richard) Taglieri, Rochester, NY, Miriam (Jim) Parmelee, Troy, NY; and several nieces and nephews. Besides his wife, he is predeceased by a sister and brother in law Ruthie and Tony Deanda.  Steve enjoyed gardening, traveling, reading, and house renovations.   Donations in his memory may be made to the Iroquois Nursing Home, 4600 Southwood Heights Drive, Jamesville, NY 13078.  Condolences may be made online at www.piddockfuneralhome.com