Obituary of George J. Smith
George J. Smith, age 75, of Vernon Center, passed away peacefully on December 2, 2022, at the Syracuse VA Medical Center, with his loving family at his side.
He was born January 19, 1947, in Utica, son of the late George C. and Eugenia (Derfuss) Smith, and graduated from Oriskany High School in 1965. In September of 1965, George proudly joined the U. S. Navy, and served three tours of duty in Vietnam and was awarded several medals, including the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon and most recently the Order of the Silver Rose, signifying his exposure to Agent Orange. He worked for many years as a salesman for Archway Cookies, retiring after many years of service. He was known as the “Cookie man”.
George is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Jean A. (West) Smith; three children, Todd F. Smith and Michele, Betsy (Smith) Hull and Stacie (Smith) and Arthur Wood; nine grandchildren, Kiera L. (Smith) and Ben Donaghy, Kaitlinn (Hull) and Matthew Kimball, Rachel Smith and Levi, Ryan Hull and Alanna, Erin Smith and E. J., Hunter Smith and Vanessa, Tristan Wood, Colin Wood and Nolan Wood; four great grandchildren; two sisters, Deanna Side and Eugenia “Jeanie” Walters; a twin brother, Lewis Smith; and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services with Military Honors, will be held on Saturday at 12 Noon, at the Barry Funeral Home, 807 W. Chestnut Street.
Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home on Saturday, from 11 AM to 12 Noon, prior to the funeral service.
Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, Franklin Square Station, Box 1226, Syracuse, NY 13218, or the Syracuse VA Medical Center: www.Syracuse.VA.GOV