Cornelius K Smith

Connie Smith (87) passed away peacefully with his family by his side. Connie was born in Kilcogy, Co. Cavan, Ireland to James & Bridget (Reilly), the second youngest of eight children. He immigrated to New York in 1954. After serving two years in the U.S. Army based in Germany, he worked as an electrician and contractor before joining the ranks of the New York City Fire Department. He loved serving with his fellow firefighters, and was a long-time member of the FDNY Holy Name & Emerald Societies.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 58 years Margaret (McCann), his loving daughters and their husbands, Bridget and Craig Bottrill, Eileen Smith and Mike Mitchell, and Theresa and Randy Pinto. He is also survived by his six adoring grandchildren: Colin, Kevin, Declan, Brendan, Niamh and Owen; many brothers and sisters-in-law; and dozens of nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; sisters Mary (Fox), Rose (Majorino) and Bridie (Halton); and brothers Seamus, Joe, Harry, and Patrick. He was also predeceased by his cousin and best friend, Luke Smyth, and his wife, Eileen.

Connie loved being an American citizen but remained a proud Irishman. As an active member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, he was instrumental in finding and renovating the Hibernian House in Pearl River and served as its president. He was the Grand Marshall of the Pearl River St. Patrick’s Day Parade and was active with the Irish Cultural Center in Blauvelt. His last visit to Ireland was in 2019, when he traveled there with Margaret, his daughters and their families.

Above all, Connie loved spending time with his family. He delighted in having his children, and later his grandchildren, “help” him with his many projects around the house. He looked forward to annual summer vacations at the Jersey Shore and winter getaways upstate. He was known for his story telling and could capture anyone’s attention with his wit and charm. Connie was always ready to help a relative, friend or neighbor in need, whether it was driving them to a doctor’s appointment, repairing or updating something in their house or lending a kind ear. He was an avid reader, history buff, political commentator and puzzle solver. He loved any social gathering, especially dances, his Thursday luncheons at the Irish Center and his Friday breakfasts with his close friends. He loved escaping the cold New York winters by spending time in sunny Boynton Beach, Florida. Connie and Margaret also enjoyed traveling together, cruising through the Panama Canal, Alaskan glaciers and the Caribbean; soaking up the sun in the Dominican Republic; and experiencing the history and culture of the United States and Europe.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, January 17, at 10 am at St. Aedan’s Church, 23 Reld Drive, Pearl River. Burial to follow at St. Anthony’s Cemetery in Nanuet. Visiting will take place on Monday, January 16 from 4 to 8 pm at Wyman-Fisher Funeral Home, 100 Franklin Avenue, Pearl River.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Cornelius K Smith, please visit our floral store.