Mr. Ralph Q. Smith 85, of 217 Bliss Road (Town of Oppenheim), St. Johnsville, and currently a resident of the St. Johnsville Nursing Center since June 2016, died there Monday January 23rd, 2017 of natural causes.

Ralph was born in Little Falls, on January 11th, 1932, the son of Arnold and Bessie (Canfield) Smith and was educated in local schools.

His marriage to the former Connie J. Manchester took place on June 29th, 1957 in Caroga, New York. Mrs. Smith predeceased him on October 12th, 2009.

Ralph began his working career by owning and operating his own trucking business for several years. It was known as Smith Trucking.  Additionally he was a dealer for Rupp Snowmobiles, both in sales and in service. His last employment was with Talerico Construction Company, of Little Falls and Herkimer as a truck driver. He retired several years ago.

His personal enjoyment was attending Fonda Speedway, where he enjoyed the stock car races on a regular basis. He especially enjoyed watching his sons and grandsons racing their go-carts throughout the area. As a handyman he built Doll houses, and wooden race cars that his family has enjoyed throughout the years. He was always found “tinkering” in his garage, usually with a good cigar. His family will always remember the trips to the casino that he enjoyed so much. A true family man, he spoiled not only his sons and grandchildren, but especially his only granddaughter Bethelle. Also he was a former member of the Oppenheim Volunteer Fire Department.

He is survived by his sons and their wives Ralph Q. and Leona Smith of Stratford and Todd and Tina Smith of Virginia, his grandsons John and Alex and his special granddaughter Bethelle. A brother Henry Smith of St. Johnsville, and a sister Evelyn Miles of Lassellsville, Nieces and Nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers Gerald, Arnold, Marvin and Richard, and his sisters Vivian Calhoun and Bessie Smida.

\The family would especially like to thank his sister Evelyn Miles and his nephew Wayne Smith, along with his neighbor Donna Christman and the staff of the St. Johnsville Nursing Home for their help and compassion during his illness.

In keeping with his wishes there are No calling hours or formal funeral services at this time. Burial will be made in Rural Park Cemetery, Inghams Mills in the Spring.

The family will celebrate his life with friends and family on Thursday at 5PM at the H C Smith Benefit Club 538 Crum Creek Road St. Johnsville, New York,  

A message of sympathy or a remembrance of Ralph may be sent to the family at www.robertsfuneralcare.com.

His arrangements are entrusted to Brian A. Roberts, Roberts Funeral Home 3 Faville Avenue Dolgeville.

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