Richard A. Smith

Pine Bush, NY

Richard A. Smith, a lifelong resident of Pine Bush, New York, entered eternal rest at his home on July 15, 2026. He was 93 years old.

Richard, affectionately known as "Dick" or "Senior" to many, was born on April 15, 1933. He married his high school sweetheart, Mary, and together they raised three sons: Richard "RJ," Michael, and John.

Richard was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He was the proud "Pop Pop" of Meryl and Jack Smith and also cherished his adopted grandchildren, Brandon, Ryan, and Bridget Boniface, whom he loved as his own.

A diesel mechanic by trade, he retired from the Orange County Department of Public Works. Richard was an avid outdoorsman, farmer, hunter, and true jack of all trades. In 1973, with the help of his sons, he built the family home where he, Mary, and their sons would live. Years later, in 1999, he helped his son Mike build a home for his own family—a testament to Richard's skill, generosity, and unwavering dedication to those he loved.

He was a lifelong motorsports enthusiast, a passion he shared with his son RJ. Together, they traveled to the Formula 1 Hungarian Grand Prix in Budapest, the Indianapolis 500, and countless NASCAR races. Richard put his mechanical talents to work as a pit crew member for RJ, competing in Formula 2000 races from Laguna Seca, California, to Bridgehampton, New York, as well as dirt track racing at Orange County Fair Speedway and Accord Speedway. He was also a pit crew member for his old friend, Bud Marl, for dirt track racing in the 1950s. 

His mechanical abilities brought him to Woodstock ‘69, where he worked with Pine Bush Equipment to maintain on-site machinery used to build stages and run the event. He proudly carried his Woodstock employee ID card in his wallet.

Richard dedicated more than 70 years of service to the Pine Bush Fire Department, a commitment that reflected his deep love for his community. He proudly served as Fire Chief from 1966 to 1970, earning the respect and admiration of generations of firefighters and neighbors alike.

Later in life, Richard was blessed with the gift of companionship through Joan Gantner of Pine Bush. Together, they spent countless hours sharing stories of days gone by. Richard also faithfully attended the morning "Breakfast Club" at McDonald's, where, rain or shine, he gathered with friends each day. His attendance was nearly perfect, and the friendships he formed there brought him great joy.

Richard is survived by his son, Richard "RJ" Smith and his wife, Elizabeth Smith; his daughter-in-law, Judy O'Neill; his granddaughter, Meryl Smith and her partner, Matt Rivera; his adopted grandchildren, Ryan Boniface and his husband, Josh Taylor-Boniface, and Bridget Boniface; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends who became family, like the Duchams.

He was predeceased by his mother, Edith M. Smith; his beloved wife, Mary Smith; his sons, Michael Smith and John Smith; his grandsons, John "Jack" Smith and Brandon Boniface; and his siblings, Joan Bilyeu, Don Smith, and Bob Smith.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Dinsmore, Hospice of Orange and Sullivan Counties, and Richard's caregiver, Yolunda Kellior, whose compassion brought him comfort during his final days.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Pine Bush Fire Department in Richard's honor.

Visitation will be held at William M. Gagan Funeral Home Inc. 1525 Burlingham Road Pine Bush, NY 12566  on Monday July, 20th from 4pm-8pm with a firematic service by the Pine Bush Fire Department starting at 7:15pm. 

A private burial will be held at New Prospect Cemetery in Pine Bush, NY.