Obituary of Paul T. Smith

Paul T. Smith, 85, former longtime resident of Adams Center, died early Friday morning, May 13, at the home of his son and daughter in law, William and Lisa Smith, Spring Valley Road, Watertown.  A funeral Mass will be 10:30 am Friday May 20, at Saint Cecilia’s Church, Adams, with Rev. Martin Cline officiating.  Burial will follow in the Glenwood Cemetery, Watertown. Calling hours will be 4:00-7:00 pm Thursday at the Piddock Funeral Home, Adams.   Paul was born on October 10, 1930 in Tupper Lake, son of William and Della (King) Smith.  Following his graduation from Tupper Lake High School and went on to earn his teaching degree from Oswego State College.  He taught US History at South Jefferson Central School from 1952-1990 and was a Driver Education Teacher. Previous marriages to Shirley Hathaway of Tupper Lake, and Marcia Zahn of Watertown ended in divorce. He later married Linda Cullen on December 28, 2002.  The couple lived in Adams Center and Cicero, NY.  He is survived by a daughter Cheryl and husband Len Goodrich, Georgia; four sons,  William and wife Lisa Smith, Watertown, Norman and wife Clare Smith, Watertown, Timothy Smith, Lorraine, Patrick Smith, Syracuse; six grandchildren; two great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. Paul was predeceased by his wife, Linda Cullen-Smith in 2005; his parents William Smith and Della King-Smith and 6 brothers, Norman, Edward, Leon, William, Alfred, and Robert and 3 sisters, Sadie, Olive and Hilda. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus 4th degree, South Jefferson Teachers Association, NYSUT Retired Teachers, Pre-driver Ed. Safety instructor, Watertown Elks Club, Diocese of Ogdensburg formation for ministry class, and Celebration Singers of Watertown. Paul had many interests that included Boy Scout Committee Member in Adams Center, he Volunteered as Pastoral care at Mercy Healthcare and Samaritan Medical Center, Crop Walk route planner in South Jefferson area, Adams Center Little League – Dodgers, South Jeff Democrat Club, Town of Adams Democrat Committee, Residence Encounter  - Christ Prison Ministry at Watertown and Cape Vincent Correctional facilities where he taught English,  South Jeff Boomer Band, Adirondack Club Member He also organized successful petition for toll-free phone service for South Jefferson area. Donations in his memory may be made to Hospice of Jefferson County, 1398 Gotham Street, Watertown, NY 13601.