KINDERHOOK—It is with endless sadness that his family announces that David Alan Smith, 76, of the Town of Kinderhook passed away unexpectedly March 4, 2025.
He graduated from SUNY Albany with degrees in mathematics and physics. He served in the U.S. Air Force at Whiteman AFB in Knob Noster, Missouri as a missile systems analyst. After leaving the military, he joined Mechanical Technology Inc. in Latham, where he became a senior software engineer, and remained there for more than 40 years until his retirement. He was a voracious reader throughout his life, tending to prefer hard science and arcane science fiction. Upon joining a book club, he discovered the enjoyment of expanding his horizons and lively discussions. As a master gardener he looked forward every year to being outside and tending his vegetables for hours. He and his wife cherished the many memories they shared with yearly trips to Ogunquit, Maine.
He was a devoted family man, unfailingly generous and loyal to all that were a part of his life. Upon retirement, he became an enthusiastic volunteer with the Kinderhook Elks where he made many new friends. He recently discovered a love of pickleball and became a proud “picklehead”.
He was predeceased by his parents, Claude and Adeline Smith. He is survived by: his loving wife of 35 years, Gail Hargrave-Smith; his sons, Christopher (Rachel) Smith, Tyler Smith and Shawn Smith; his granddaughters, Zera and Chloe, were the loves of his life. He was also very close to his extended family, Diane (Bill) Smith, Kathy (Greg) Proper and their children and grandchildren: Lauren (Chris) Wessell, Matthew (Giuliana) Smith, Geoffrey (Dacia) Proper, Stephen (Erin) Proper as well as Pari, Parker, Alessandra, Luca and Lorenzo. His beloved pups, Trixie and Juice, will miss him too.
His family expresses sincere gratitude to the Niverville Fire Department and the NY State Police for their kindness and comfort at the accident site in Niverville. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Niverville Fire Department, Valatie Food Pantry, or a charity of choice.
Calling hours and a funeral service were held March 8 at Raymond E. Bond Funeral Home, Valatie. Interment will be at Woodlawn Cemetery in Valatie.
