Robert Gerald Smith, 82, passed away on, July 2, 2013.  Born January 25, 1931 in Greenwood, N.Y., he was the son of Donald M. Smith  and Kathryn  E. (McCormick) Smith of Andover, New York. He grew up known as Robbie or Ray by friends and family. He graduated from Andover Central High School as Class President in 1948.  He then graduated from Geneseo State Teachers College where he met and married C. Marie Hansen, with whom he had five children.
After being commissioned as a Captain in the Marines, he completed his Masters and Doctorate course work at Ohio University.
He taught at Colgate University, leading the debate team to an unprecedented six season winning streak on the NBC College Bowl Show, thus became Assistant to the President at Colgate.

In 1968 he was invited by President Novice Fawcett to become Vice President for Development for The Ohio State University. There he raised millions of dollars; was a good friend to Woody Hayes; and managed the student riots during that time period. 
After leaving OSU, he became Vice President at The University of Maryland, then again at  Washington College.  In his career he succeeded in raising hundreds of millions of dollars for higher education.

Robert is the father of Donald Smith (Deborah Flower-Smith), Lynn (Beaber) Smith, Michele (Willis) Smith, Paul Smith, and Greg Smith (Angie Hart Smith).
Grandfather of Amanda (Andrew Anderson) Smith, Rachel (Spencer Gibson) Smith, Trevor Smith, Dustin Smith (Kelly Johnson), Nathaniel Smith, Steffie Willis, Dusty Willis, Katie Beaber, and Jamie (Timothy Leach) Beaber.
Great Grandfather of Fiona Gibson, and Bella Smith, all survive him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings Joseph Smith, Sally (Lehman) Smith, Marcella (Schena) Smith, and Martin Smith. He is survived by James (Evelyn) Smith, Lucille (Dave Hart) Smith, and Edward Smith.

Family and friends of long standing were very important to him.
Visitation will be from 2-4pm on Sunday July 14th, 2013 at Egan Ryan Funeral Home,
403 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215, with memorial service to follow at 4pm.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11am on July 20th, 2013 at:
The Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 1 Church Street, Andover, NY. 14806
Memorial contributions may be directed to The Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church
PO# 761 Andover New York 14806 Attn: Sue Stout iccsusans@roadrunner.com
or The Andover Free Library, P.O. Box 751, 40 Main St. Andover, NY 14806 
Attn: Director Linda Adams adamsl@stls.org.
 

 Service Information