Ronald Francis Smith

Ronald F. Smith, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather entered into eternal rest on Friday 26 February 2021.

The son of the late Earl and Helen (Broas) Smith, he was born in Middletown, New York on 21 May 1937.

After graduation, Ron entered the Navy in 1954 and served our country proudly for 20 years. After retirement from the Navy, he opened the sports bar Below Decks in Middletown, and went on to finish his working career at Lloyd’s Shopping Center until it closed in 1996.

He was an avid hunter, fisherman, and golfer. He enjoyed golfing and fishing with his sons, and teaching his grandchildren how to fish at his summer home at Yankee Lake, New York. Ron enjoyed golfing with his wife and friends at his winter home in Vero Beach, Florida.

Survivors include his loving wife of 44 years, Joan, at home; his brother Stephen Smith and his wife, Laura, of Ocean View, New Jersey; sons Doug Smith of Alabama; Ray Smith and his wife Tammy; Michael Devlin and his wife Wendy; Peter Devlin and his wife Colleen; and Timothy Devlin, all of Middletown.

Grandchildren Daniel Smith, Jennifer Smith, Tara Smith, Matthew Smith, Andrew Devlin, Christopher Devlin and his wife Efhril, Meaghan Devlin, Christie Ferrare, and Shaun Ferrare, and his fiancé Andrea. Great grandchildren Landon, Aiden, Erik , Gabriel, Mia, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers Earl, Jr. and Robert Smith, and grandson Jason Ferrare.

The family would like to thank the care team at Garnet Health Medical Center for the exceptional care and compassion he received during his illness. Special thanks to Dr. Kondagunta, Dr. Paraschiv, Dr. Floyd, Dr. Abourbih, Dr. Manheimer, and Dr. Chavez-Carey.

At Ron’s request, services will be private, with cremation to follow.