John Smith

John Smith of Sylvia Lane, Amsterdam, NY; passed away Monday morning January 18, 2016 unexpectedly after being stricken at home.

Born in Amsterdam on February 23, 1927, he was the son of the late Stanley and Sadie Rupinski Smith.

John received his education in the Amsterdam school system and was a graduate of Wilbur H. Lynch High School. John also graduated from Siena College with Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Science.

John was first employed at the American Locomotive Company and General Electric Company in Schenectady and subsequently became a science teacher in the Greater Amsterdam School District for 33 1/2 years.

John was an honorably discharged United States Army veteran serving from 1945 to 1946in Europe with the 53rd Armored Infantry Battalion and later with the 53rd Constabulary Forces.

John served on the Board of Directors of the former St. John’s Club in Amsterdam and was a member of the New York State United Teachers Association and the Greater Amsterdam School District Teachers Association.

He was a fan of Big Band music, Turner Classic Movies and the New York Yankees. John also enjoyed Thoroughbred Racing at Saratoga and times spent in Arizona.

John is survived by his wife, Charlotte Wiesner Smith to whom he was married June 27, 1953, and one daughter, Jacqueline Smith of Amsterdam. Several cousins also survive.

There are no calling hours.

Relatives and friends are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial, which will be celebrated Friday morning at 11:00 at St. Mary’s Church, 156 East Main Street, Amsterdam.

Interment will follow at St. John’s Cemetery in Amsterdam.

Memorial gifts in John’s name may be made to St. Mary’s Healthcare Foundation, 427 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam, NY 12010 or to Steve Caporizzo’s Pet Connection, in care of News 10 ABC 341 Northern Blvd., Albany, NY 12204